Large Items in Madison Buildings Over 8 Units: What Changed in 2025
Updated
Short answer
Why the city made the change
The city says the Streets Division could not grow staff and equipment to keep pace with growth. From 2019 to 2023 Madison added about 10,000 homes in properties of more than 9 units and another 2,000 in properties of 8 or fewer, while state law limits the operating budget. Most large properties already contract with private haulers that can collect large items.
The options
- Ask property management. If the property uses metal dumpsters, that company collects large items under its own rules and charges.
- City residents can use a drop-off site, one pickup-bed load a day.
- Any Dane County resident can use the Dane County Landfill, which takes bigger loads and opens Saturday mornings in winter.
- Hire a junk hauler. The city asks residents to make sure it is registered and disposes of items appropriately.
If you think your property was excluded by mistake, the condo board or property manager emails streets@cityofmadison.com with the address and a short explanation. The August student move-out is the one exception: in 2026 every property in the move-out area could file work orders from July 26 to August 14.
Quick answers
Does Madison pick up furniture from apartment buildings?
Not from properties with more than 8 units, since January 1, 2025, except through work orders during the August move-out window inside the move-out area.
Rather not haul it yourself?
Tell us what needs to go and where. A local crew sorts the recycling, donation and landfill streams for you and replies with a price first.