August Moving Days: How Large Item Collection Works During the Move Out

Work Orders Required in the Student Move-Out Area for All Items After 6:30am August 21, 2026

After 6:30am on Friday, August 21, 2026 you must complete a work order to get your home on the pickup schedule for large items.

If you live in the move out area and put a large item out for pickup after 6:30am on Friday, August 21, you will miss your chance for collection by crews patrolling the move out area for large items.

To get your large items picked up after August 21, submit a work order and then set the item out on the date you choose in the form.

Do not set the item out earlier than the date you pick.

Each week has a limited number of work orders crews can fulfill. Setting the item out early contributes to neighborhood clutter.

If you set items on the curb without a work order, you can be fined by Building Inspection.

If your property is not eligible to receive large item pickup from the City of Madison, the private company that provides dumpster service to the property will provide bulk pickup. Work with your property manager about how that process works. There are also private junk haulers who may be able to assist. Also, the Streets Division drop-off sites are available to all Madison residents.

Drop-off Sites for Furniture, Mattresses, Box Springs, Etc.

If you are bringing items to a drop-off site, most items are accepted for free and no work order is required. This is the normal procedure throughout the year for dropping off items.

Be sure to follow all other drop-off site rules and restrictions.

Drop-off Sites for Appliances and Special Large Items

Appliances, like microwaves and air conditioners, and special items, like tires, may require a fee, depending on whether you pay the Resource Recovery Special Charge or not.

A list of items that may have a fee can be found on the Streets Division's website.

Homes that have their recycling picked up by the Streets Division can take these items to the drop-off site at no additional cost. These homes pay a monthly Resource Recovery Special Charge, so no extra payment is required.

If your recycling is collected in a metal dumpster or from a private company's cart, then a fee will be required for these items before you drop them off.

You can pay the fee by buying a fee sticker using the work order system, over the phone, or in-person by visiting the either the Streets East or Streets West offices.

No Changes for Large Items for Residents Outside of the Move Out Area

If you do not live in the student move-out area, there are no changes to the large item work order system for you.

If your home is eligible to receive large item service, you need to complete a work order before you place the items out for pickup.

Mooveapalooza: Donation & Mattress Recycling Event

On August 14, there will be a special one day event at the Alliant Energy Center where you can donate usable items - including furniture - and where you can also recycle your mattresses and box springs instead of having them go to the landfill.

Details about Mooveapalooza can be found on the webpage for the event.

If you cannot participate in the Mooveapalooza event, remember there are many other opportunities to donate your usable items.

Additional Information about Large Items

Additional information can also be found on the Streets Division's Moving Days website and the large item website.

Residents are also encouraged to contact us for answers to additional questions.