Commercial and Apartment Junk Removal in Madison, WI
Updated
Short answer
Why this is different from a residential pickup
A 2010 resolution lets the Streets Division collect trash and recycling from businesses that can use the same carts as a house, if there is room on the terrace, but most commercial properties and apartment buildings contract a private hauler for a dumpster instead. Dumpster service covers routine trash and recycling; it does not typically include bulk items, office furniture or a full-unit turnover. The city's own August move-out guidance tells residents in buildings the city doesn't serve to work with their property manager and that private hauler, or to hire a junk hauler directly.
What this covers
- Office cleanouts: desks, filing cabinets, cubicle panels, chairs and electronics when a lease ends or a space is remodeled.
- Retail and restaurant fixture removal: shelving, display cases, counters and equipment left behind by a closing tenant.
- Apartment and multifamily turnover: a unit a tenant left full, or common-area bulk items a dumpster contract won't take.
- Storage unit and warehouse cleanouts, priced the same as any load, by the truck.
Buildings over 8 units
Since January 1, 2025 the city has not collected large items for any property of more than 8 units, which covers most apartment buildings in Madison. Those properties already route bulk pickup through their dumpster company or a private hauler; see what changed for buildings over 8 units.
Getting city cart service for a small business
A small business with terrace space and the ability to sort recycling into carts the way a house does can apply for city recycling service; the application and eligibility rules are on the city's own business recycling page. It does not cover bulk or large-item pickup even where it applies.
Common questions
Commercial and Apartment Junk Removal: questions
Does the City of Madison pick up junk from businesses?
Only in a narrow case: a 2010 resolution lets the Streets Division collect trash and recycling from a business that has terrace room for carts and can follow the same rules as a house. Most commercial properties run on a private dumpster contract instead, and that contract usually does not include bulk items or office furniture.
Who clears out an apartment after a tenant leaves in a building the city won't serve?
The city's own guidance points to the property's private dumpster hauler for bulk pickup, worked out with the property manager, or a private junk hauler. Any building of more than 8 units has been outside city large-item pickup since January 1, 2025.
Other services
Commercial and Apartment Junk Removal in Madison and Dane County
Tell us what is going and where it is. A local crew replies with a price, and nothing is hauled until you agree to it.