Cardboard Recycling in Madison, WI

Flatten extra cardboard and take it to a Madison drop-off site, or bundle it next to the cart on recycling day.

See all 2 options

Illustrative item photographKadarius Seegars / Unsplash

Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check

2 ways to get rid of a cardboard in Madison

Tap an option to see the address, hours, cost and rules.

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · MadisonNo haulingWe recycle it for youFrom $80.00
How it works
Book online, set out your cardboard and we’ll pick it up and recycle it for you. You see your price before you book and pay only after pickup.
Book a pickup →
City of Madison drop-off sitesCity service · MadisonMadison residentsCost not listed
How it works
Three Streets Division drop-off sites: East, 4602 Sycamore Ave; West, 402 South Point Rd; Central, 1504 Quann-Olin Parkway (Madison). Open to Madison residents and taxpayers with proof of residency; one trip per day, about a pickup-truck load. Electronics and batteries are free; large item and appliance fees apply only to residents whose recycling is not collected by the City (buy a fee sticker beforehand).
Cost & rules
- Before you go: Empty and flatten boxes.
Official page (opens in new tab)

Places that don’t take cardboard (1)

City of Madison large item collection · Madison

Before you go

Check whether you have corrugated boxes, coated packaging or mixed materials.
Remove foam, plastic and other packing inserts.
Flatten boxes and check quantity limits for your program.

More about cardboard

Wisconsin rules

Corrugated paper (cardboard) and other container board are on the statutory list of banned materials. Source: Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab)
Corrugated cardboard and other containerboard are banned from disposal; DNR asks that boxes be flattened. Source: Wisconsin DNR: What to recycle in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)

More Wisconsin rules (2)

In the La Crosse and Barron county waste-to-energy areas, recycling programs may send recyclable paper, including cardboard, and plastics to the incinerators, though local ordinances may still require recycling. Source: Wisconsin DNR: What to recycle in Wisconsin (opens in new tab)
Since 1990 Wisconsin law has required all residents to recycle items like cardboard, bottles and cans, and ensured everyone has access to a local recycling program. Source: Wisconsin DNR: Recycling at home (opens in new tab)

Where this information comes from (12)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

Large items and appliances (opens in new tab) · City of Madison Streets Division
- Residents fill out a large item work order and choose the Sunday to set items out; the work order must be completed before setting items out. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Since January 1, 2025, the Streets Division no longer provides large item collection for multi-family properties with more than 8 units. Checked October 26, 2026.
More Cardboard Than the Recycling Cart Can Hold (opens in new tab) · City of Madison Streets Division
- Cardboard boxes will not be picked up as large items. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Empty and flatten cardboard boxes and place them in the drop-off site recycling area; styrofoam goes in its own container. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Extra cardboard can be bundled (about 3x3 ft, tied, up to about 6 in. high) next to the cart on recycling day, up to 10 bundles, twice per calendar year. Checked October 26, 2026.
Drop-off sites (opens in new tab) · City of Madison Streets Division
- Madison residents and taxpayers can use the drop-off sites; proof of residency or taxpayer status is required. Checked October 26, 2026.
- The drop-off sites accept extra cardboard, electronics, batteries, appliances and large items, among others. Checked October 26, 2026.
TVs, computers, and electronics (opens in new tab) · City of Madison Streets Division
- Electronics recycling at the drop-off sites is only for people who live or own property in Madison; not for businesses. Checked October 26, 2026.
Wis. Stat. 287.07 Prohibitions on land disposal and incineration (opens in new tab) · Wisconsin Legislature (Wisconsin Statutes)
- Corrugated paper (cardboard) and other container board are on the statutory list of banned materials. Checked October 26, 2026.
Wisconsin DNR: What to recycle in Wisconsin (opens in new tab) · Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Corrugated cardboard and other containerboard are banned from disposal; DNR asks that boxes be flattened. Checked October 26, 2026.
- In the La Crosse and Barron county waste-to-energy areas, recycling programs may send recyclable paper, including cardboard, and plastics to the incinerators, though local ordinances may still require recycling. Checked October 26, 2026.
Wisconsin DNR: Recycling at home (opens in new tab) · Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Since 1990 Wisconsin law has required all residents to recycle items like cardboard, bottles and cans, and ensured everyone has access to a local recycling program. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.

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