Dane County Compost Program Surpasses 1 Million Pounds of Food Scraps Composted

November 05, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

New Scrap Stop coming to Stoughton November 7th

DANE COUNTY – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced today that the County's food scrap composting program has diverted more than 1 million pounds of food scraps from the landfill. The milestone reflects the combined efforts of residents using the County's free Scrap Stop drop-off sites and the commercial businesses that participate in the program.

"One million pounds of food scraps is one million pounds that won't take up space in our landfill or generate methane as it breaks down," said County Executive Agard. "This milestone belongs to the residents and businesses who have made composting part of their routine. It shows what Dane County can accomplish when we give people a simple, accessible way to do the right thing for our environment."

Scrap Stops are free, public drop-off sites where residents can bring their household food scraps. The service is free to residents thanks to funding from partner municipalities and organizations, including the Cities of Madison, Fitchburg, Verona, and Middleton, the Village of McFarland, Madison Christian Community, and the Mount Horeb Lions Club. Food scraps collected through the program are composted by Purple Cow Organics, turning waste into a valuable soil amendment that returns nutrients to local land.

The program continues to grow. A grand opening event for the new Scrap Stop at Mandt Park in Stoughton will take place this Saturday, November 7th from 10am – 2pm, expanding access for residents in the southeastern part of the county. Dane County residents are also encouraged to drop off their unwanted pumpkins and Jack-O-lanterns for free at the Verona, Middleton, Stoughton, and Fitchburg Scrap Stops this Saturday from 10am – 2pm.

"We're grateful to our Scrap Stop partners, our commercial customers, and Purple Cow Organics for helping us reach this point," said County Executive Agard "Every new Scrap Stop brings composting closer to more residents, and we're excited to keep building on this momentum."

With the Stoughton Scrap Stop slated to open in November, Dane County will have 12 year-round public drop-off locations available across the County. Most locations are available 24/7 year-round, making participation convenient for residents throughout the county. To date, more than 4,200 residents have registered for the program.

Accepted items currently include:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Coffee grounds and loose-leaf tea
  • Eggshells
  • Beans and nuts

Residents interested in participating can learn more and register through the Dane County Department of Waste + Renewables: https://landfill.danecounty.gov/compost