Organic Waste and Composting

Background

Food scraps can account for roughly 25% of waste in landfills as of 2018 (EPA 2023). When these organic wastes decompose in landfills, they release methane which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions (with a larger effect than carbon dioxide!). In order to reduce the amount of food waste in landfills, Fitchburg is implementing an organic waste management program that will encourage composting to reduce the amount of organic waste in landfills.

In 2013, a pilot study for curbside collection of compost and organic waste was conducted. Due to the success of the study, the city would like to implement more organic waste processing programs in the future.

Currently, the city collects brush and yard waste curbside and composts them using windrows. The compost produced from these windrows is distributed to nearby farms and is available for residents to use. If you would like to use composted soil, please take some from the Maintenance Facility located at 2373 South Fish Hatchery Rd.

How to Compost

Want to compost in your backyard? There are a couple of different methods to follow from the WDNR and on our Home Composting page.

Want to compost but don't know what to do with the dirt? Consider subscribing to a compost collection agency in the area. More information on composting in Dane County is provided here.

Watch out for Worms

If you decide to compost at home, please watch out for this invasive species. Jumping worms are often found in compost and decrease the quality of soil. If you do happen to find jumping worms in your compost, seal them in a plastic bag and put them in the trash.

We Want Your Input

Please complete this survey on composting in Fitchburg. We value your opinion on organic waste management.