Middleton picks downtown site for one-year compost kiosk pilot

The Middleton Sustainability Committee on Tuesday confirmed plans for a one-year pilot compost kiosk to accept residential food waste in downtown Middleton.

Kelly, the city staff lead, said planning commission approved the site in the Corey Skate Park parking lot across from Capitol Brewery and that final designs and signage are being coordinated with the Madison Children’s Museum and project partners. The county provided grant funding for the kiosk, which will occupy two to three parking stalls and use locked bins for participants who will receive an access code.

“The installation of this small kiosk will happen in late May or early June,” Kelly said. She added that Purple Cow will process the collected food waste and that the company has indicated it may return some finished compost to participating host sites.

The project will operate as a one-year pilot. At the end of that period, staff and partners will evaluate participation, winter and summer operating challenges, and whether to continue the program or relocate the kiosk (staff suggested Lakeview Park as a possible future site once its master plan is complete). Committee members noted the kiosk’s location was selected to serve nearby apartment buildings and transit routes.

The county has asked about a kickoff event; Kelly said the short timeline made planning a large public rollout difficult but that the county may help with a joint ribbon-cutting and educational materials. Operating costs will likely include a modest monthly tipping fee to cover compost pickup and processing.

The committee will assess the pilot’s success after one year and report back on participation rates, operational lessons and next steps.