County Executive Agard Highlights Community Impact of Dane County’s New Food Scrap Collection Program

July 21, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, (608) 800-1127
County Executive, Waste & Renewables, County Executive

Over 1,000 Households Enrolled and More Than 50 Tons of Food Waste Diverted

MADISON — Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today celebrated the rapid success of the County’s new residential food scrap collection program, which has already surpassed 1,000 participating households and diverted over 50 tons of food waste from the landfill since its launch earlier this year.

At a press event held at Warner Park, County Executive Agard was joined by John Welch, Director of Dane County’s Department of Waste & Renewables, Kathy Kuntz, Director of the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change, and Jerod Reuter, Chief Operating Officer of Purple Cow Organics.

“This program is about climate action that starts at home,” County Executive Agard said. “By keeping food scraps out of the landfill, we’re reducing methane emissions, extending the life of our landfill, and creating valuable compost for our community.”

Agard emphasized both the scale of early participation and the importance of expanding the program in the months ahead. “Over 1,000 households joining in just the first few months shows the kind of community we have here in Dane County - folks ready to step up and do their part,” she said. “This is just the beginning. We’re committed to growing this effort to reach even more families, schools, and businesses.”

She also highlighted the value of the County’s partnership with Purple Cow Organics. “This program doesn’t work without strong public-private collaboration. I want to thank Purple Cow Organics and all of our county staff for helping make it possible for residents to easily participate and know their food scraps are being put to good use.”

The Dane County Food Scrap Program offers both drop-off sites for residents and a paid subscription model for businesses to divert food waste from the landfill and into composting.

More information is available at: landfill.danecounty.gov/compost