Sustainability Campus

Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables

With less than 5 years of landfill space remaining at Dane County's Rodefeld Landfill, our community has an opportunity to plan for our changing waste stream and advance towards a circular economy.

Our vision for the next site includes development of a sustainable business park or “Sustainability Campus” to divert waste and create local circular economies. This will be accomplished by attracting reuse, repair, and recycling businesses; new waste management technologies; and research. The intent is to design the site for safe public access, education, and recreation where visitors can examine their relationship with waste and the Dane County community can move towards a future where waste is not a liability, but a resource and an opportunity.

Explore the tabs below to learn more about this exciting project.

Call for Project Partners

Engage

Timeline

Press

Presentations

Past Events

Documents

FAQs

Contact

Call for Project Partners

In early 2025, the Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables invited forward-thinking businesses, organizations, and innovators to partner in the development of its future Sustainability Campus, a 30-acre project set to drive the region toward a more sustainable, circular economy. Located on the southeast side of Madison, the campus will aim to serve as a hub for reuse, recycling, and waste management activities, alongside research and educational initiatives.

Through a Request for Information (RFI) process, the County saught partners whose ideas, technologies, and operations can advance sustainability, educate the public, create jobs, and reduce waste, while generating marketable products such as raw materials, recycled products, and energy. RFIs are designed to evaluate interest, gather ideas, and assess feasibility while minimizing the burden on both respondents and the County. Responses to RFIs will be used to identify the most promising approaches, and inform future Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Entities selected through the process are anticipated to begin operations at the Campus in 2027 or 2028.

“The Sustainability Campus will be a game-changer for Dane County,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “We’re positioning ourselves as a leader in sustainability, while also creating local jobs, fostering innovation, and setting the stage for a greener future. This is a unique opportunity for companies to be part of something transformative.”

Development of the Sustainability Campus builds on the County’s proven success with large-scale green infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships, representing a major step toward achieving waste and emissions-related goals set forth in the Dane County Climate Action Plan and City of Madison Sustainability Plan.

The Campus will be co-located with the new Dane County landfill, south of the nearing-capacity Rodefeld Landfill and US Highway 12/18. The first phase of construction will begin in Spring 2026, with Madison-based Strang, Inc. and Foth Engineering handling the design of key infrastructure, including an administration and education building, scale house, and maintenance facility. Expansion of the Campus will proceed based on the needs of successful proposals.

How to Access and View the now-closed RFIs:

The County requested responses in four key categories:

Large-Scale Waste Diversion, Processing, and Recycling

Problem Materials, Bulky Waste Streams, and Emerging Materials

Reuse, Retail, and Upcycling

Research, Education, and Art

RFIs opened on January 21, 2025, and closed March 21, 2025. With 45 total submissions, the RFIs generated an amazing response! W+R is working diligently to review each response with care to determine the most viable paths forward. Stay tuned for updates!

Engage

We are excited to share more about our project plans with the community and will be sharing opportunities for engagement throughout the course of the project. See below for information on upcoming events:

Dane County Landfill Site No. 3 Feasibility Report Public Comment Period: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) will publish public notice of the Completeness Determination on its website at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Waste/Comment.html and in the Wisconsin State Journal and in the Leader Independent to invite public comments for a period of 30 days on the content and completeness of the feasibility report. The public comment period will begin when the public notice is posted on WDNR’s website. We anticipate this will occur on Wednesday, May 21st. WDNR will post electronic copies of the feasibility report, addenda and associated documents on its website. WDNR will also post the notice letter, project summary, and environmental analysis, as well as the feasibility report, on its website during the public comment period.

Dane County Landfill Tours (In Person): Join us for a tour to learn more about our current work and vision for meeting Dane County's future waste management needs.

Timeline

Sustainability Campus Implementation Project Components and Schedule
Property Acquisition and Site Preparation
Acquisition	2023	County acquired the property for the Sustainability Campus and Landfill #3 from the City of Madison.
Zoning	2022	Property rezoned from “Parks and Recreation” to “Industrial – General.”
Infrastructure installation	2023/2024	Millpond Road provides direct access to the site and its entire length was reconstructed to accommodate the expected heavy truck traffic along with the installation of City of Madison potable water and sanitary sewer extensions. In addition, a large regional storm water pond was constructed as necessary to serve the anticipated needs of the Sustainability Campus.
Zoning and Covenants	2023	County prepared and recorded a set of property covenants for the Sustainability Campus to ensure future development will be compatible and consistent with the County’s goals for the Campus.
Administration and Education Center
Design, Construction Documents and Bidding	Fall 2024 – Fall 2025	The County has selected an A&E team consisting of Strang architects and Foth engineers to site and design a 30,000 square foot administrative and public education center on the Campus. Design work is expected to be completed in May 2025 followed by construction documents and bidding through fall 2025.
Construction	Fall 2025 – Early 2027	The Department anticipates beginning construction on the administration and education center in spring 2026 and completing the project by mid-to-late 2027.
Proposed Landfill Site #3
Siting and permitting	Fall 2022- Spring 2026	The County selected SCS Engineers to assist in completing the state landfill permitting process and receive all regulatory approvals. The full process is expected to be complete by spring 2026.
Construction	Spring 2026 – Fall 2026	Upon the completion of the siting and permitting process, the County will embark on constructing the first cell of the landfill and support.
Start of Waste Disposal	Late 2027	Anticipated initial waste placement begins in Summer/Fall 2027.
Organics Recycling Facility
Scale up and Operations	2024-2029	In early 2024, the County selected Purple Cow Organics to process food scraps, brush, leaves, and yard waste for composting. The five-year contract includes one year of pilot and set-up beginning in late 2024 and will expand volumes and start a public food scrap drop off program in 2025.
Large-Scale Waste Diversion, Processing, and Recycling Project
RFP	Fall 2025 – Spring 2026	Using the results from the RFI process, the County and the Project Review Board will determine which processes and technologies are the most feasible and consistent with County goals and issue a formal RFP(s) to develop large-scale diversion project(s).
Development Agreement Negotiations	2026	Upon the conclusion of the RFP process, the County will enter into negotiations with the selected partner(s) to define a specific project, the nature of the relationship between and responsibilities of the parties, and a project implementation schedule.
Design & Permitting	2026-2027	Consistent with the project as approved in the Development Agreement, partners will prepare detailed plans and seek all necessary federal, state, and local permits including approvals from the Project Review Board administering the Sustainability Campus Covenants.
Construction	Fall 2027 – Fall 2028	After selecting a partner(s) through the RFP process, the County anticipates negotiating the details for a specific large-scale diversion project in 2026 with construction to begin in 2027 and initial operations to be started in 2028.

Past Events

3.19.25 | Village of McFarland Public Meeting: Join us on March 19th from 5:30PM to 7:00PM for an in depth look into development updates, timeline for construction, visuals of conceptual building plans plus news about our recycling programs and residential food waste drop off sites launch!

8.17.24 | 1:00-4:00 pm. 3rd Annual Landfill Open House. Join the Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables and partners for an Open House Celebration Saturday, August 17th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm! Come celebrate our community’s journey towards utilizing waste as a resource and learn more about our work and our vision to advance the circular economy here in Dane County.

8.15.24. 7:00pm. Dane County Board Meeting. The Dane County Board will review and vote on the Local Negotiated Agreement for the Dane County Landfill No. 3. Meeting details available on the Dane County Legislative Information Center.

8.12.24. 5:30pm. Dane County Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting. The Dane County Personnel and Finance Committee will review and make a recommendation on the Local Negotiated Agreement for the Dane County Landfill No. 3. Meeting details available on the Dane County Legislative Information Center.

7.23.24. 5:30pm. Dane County Public Works and Transportation Committee Meeting. The Dane County Public Works and Transportation Committee will review and make a recommendation on the Local Negotiated Agreement for the Dane County Landfill No. 3. Meeting details available on the Dane County Legislative Information Center.

6.26.24. 3:00-4:30 pm. Dane County Landfill No. 3 Local Negotiated Agreement Committee: The Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables facilitated a meeting of the Local Negotiated Agreement Committee for the landfill that is proposed to be developed on the eastern portion of the Yahara Hills Golf Course. Meeting minutes, recordings and the draft agreement are available on Dane County's Legislative Information Center.

5.8.24. 4:00-5:30 pm. Dane County Landfill No. 3 Local Negotiated Agreement Committee: The Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables facilitated a meeting of the Local Negotiated Agreement Committee for the landfill that is proposed to be developed on the eastern portion of the Yahara Hills Golf Course. Meeting minutes, recordings and the draft agreement are available on Dane County's Legislative Information Center.

4.3.2023. 4:00-5:30 pm. Dane County Landfill No. 3 Local Negotiated Agreement Committee: Meeting minutes, recordings and draft agreement availalbe on Dane County's Legislative Information Center.

3.20.2024. 4:00-5:30 pm. Dane County Landfill No. 3 Local Negotiated Agreement Committee: Meeting minutes, recordings and draft agreement availalbe on Dane County's Legislative Information Center.

3.6.2024. 4:00pm. Dane County Landfill No. 3 Local Negotiated Agreement Committee - Public Hearing. The Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables hosted a formal public hearing for members of the public to submit written questions, comments, or public testimony regarding the proposed Dane County Landfill No. 3. Meeting minutes, recordings and draft agreement available on Dane County's Legislative Information Center.

2.29.2024. 8:00 am-6:00 pm. Wisconsin Integrated Waste Management Conference. The Department of Waste & Renewables hosted a booth at the Exhibit Hall.

2.21.2024 4:00- 5:30 pm. Dane County Landfill No. 3 Local Negotiated Agreement Committee: Meeting minutes, recordings and draft agreement available on Dane County's Legislative Information Center.

2.7.2024. 4:00-5:30 pm. Dane County Landfill No. 3 Local Negotiated Agreement Committee: Meeting minutes, recordings and draft agreement available on Dane County's Legislative Information Center.

1.10.2024. 3:00-4:30 pm. Dane County Landfill No. 3 Local Negotiated Agreement Committee: Meeting minutes, recordings and draft agreement available on Dane County's Legislative Information Center.

12.6.2023. 5:30-6:30 pm. Madison Food Policy Council Commitee Meeting. Agenda item includes presentation on Sustainabilty Campus and Dane County's vision for manging food waste and other organic materials. Meeting Details.

12.6.2023. 3:00-4:30 pm. Dane County Landfill No. 3 Local Negotiated Agreement Committee: Meeting minutes, recordings and draft agreement available on Dane County's Legislative Information Center.

11.13.2023. 5:30 pm. City of Madison Plan Commission Meeting. Agenda Item to Review Dane County Conditional Use Permit for Sustainability Campus & new landfill project. Meeting Details.

11.03.2023. 7:30-3:00 pm. Sustain Dane Summit at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center : Join us and fellow sustainability leaders in the community to learn, connect, share, reflect, and build new skills at the Sustain Dane Summit! This year the Summit will feature a special presentation on the Sustainability Campus with opportunity to provide feedback and meet the project team. More Information Here .

10.11.2023. 9:00-1:00 pm. Madison Area Food Rescue Convening-Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Agenda item includes presentation on Dane County Sustainability Campus and Dane County's vision for manging food waste and other organic materials.

10.03.2023. 3:00-4:30 pm. Dane County Landfill No. 3 Local Negotiated Agreement Committee: The Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables is facilitating the first organizational meeting of the Local Negotiated Agreement Committee for the landfill that is proposed to be developed on the eastern portion of the Yahara Hills Golf Course.

The October 3, 2023 Dane County Landfill No. 3 Local Negotiated Agreement Committee meeting will be
a hybrid meeting. Members of the public can either attend in person in the Drumlin Room of the Lyman F. Anderson Agriculture & Conservtion Center (5201 Fen Oak Drive, Madison, WI) or virtually via Zoom. It is recommended to register via the Zoom link, even if you plan to attend in person. Please Register Here.

08.05.2023. 11:30-2:30 pm. Sustainability Campus Workshop: Come learn about the Sustainability Campus and discover the opportunities it will give to the local community! Learn more and register here.

03.02.2023. 7:00 pm. Dane County Board Meeting- Anticipated Agenda Item On Award of Contract for Sustainability Campus Development Assistance at Yahara Hills. Meeting Details.

02.20.2023. 5:30 pm. Personnel & Finance Committee Meeting- Anticipated Agenda Item On Award of Contract for Sustainability Campus Development Assistance at Yahara Hills. Meeting Details.

01.03.2023. 5:30 pm. Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting- Agenda Item On Award of Contract for Sustainability Campus Development Assistance at Yahara Hills. Meeting Details.

12.15.2022. 7:00 pm. Dane County Board Meeting- Agenda Item On Award of Contract for Sustainability Campus Development Assistance at Yahara Hills. Meeting Details.

12.13.2022. 8:30 am. Sustain Dane Sustainable Breakfast Series: Food Scraps Year in Review & Future Opportunities- Learn more about future opportunities to divert food scraps at the Dane County Sustainability Campus and other local food scraps diversion efforts.

11.17.2022. 7:00 pm. Dane County Board Meeting- Agenda Item On Award of Contract for Engineering Design and Permitting Services for the Proposed Dane County Landfill site at Yahara Hills. Meeting Agenda.

11.04.2022. 7:45am-3pm. Sustain Dane Summit- Come visit the Waste & Renewables Exhibit at this event to learn more about the Sustainability Campus.

10.11.2022. 6:30 pm. City of Madison Common Council Meeting- Agenda Item On Rezoning & Subdivision Applications for a portion of Yahara Hills for Sustainability Campus & Landfill. Meeting Minutes.

10.03.2022. 5:30 pm. City of Madison Plan Commission Meeting- Agenda Item On Rezoning & Subdivision Applications for a portion of Yahara Hills for Sustainability Campus & Landfill. Meeting Minutes.

08.20.2022. 11:30-3:30 PM. Waste & Renewables Open House: A Community Celebration Towards Waste As A Resource (In Person): Thanks for helping us celebrate our community’s journey towards utilizing waste as a resource!

05.19.2022. 7:00 pm. Dane County County Board Meeting (Virtual)- Agenda Item On Authorizing the Purchase of Land for County Landfill & Sustainability Campus from the City of Madison. More Information.

05.10.2022. 6:30 pm. City of Madison Common Council Meeting (Virtual): Agenda Items On City-County Agreements Pertaining to land sale and development of a portion of Yahara Hills for Sustainability Campus & Landfill, and entering into a new Solid Waste Agreement and Amending the Yahara Hills Neighborhood Development Plan. More Information.

05.09.2022. 5:30 pm. Dane County Personnel & Finance Committee Meeting (Virtual): Agenda Item On Authorizing the Purchase of Land for County Landfill & Sustainability Campus from the City of Madison. More Information.

04.25.2022. 5:30 pm. City of Madison Plan Commission Meeting (Virtual)- Agenda Item On Amending the Yahara Hills Neighborhood Development Plan, to provide updated recommendations for the area located on the eastern portion of the Yahara Hills Golf Course. More Information.

04.25.2022. 4:30 pm. City of Madison Finance Commitee Meeting (Virtual): Agenda Item On City-County Agreements Pertaining to land sale and development of a portion of Yahara Hills for Sustainability Campus & Landfill, and entering into a new Solid Waste Agreement. More Information.

04.21.2022. 6:30 pm. Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables, City Staff and Elected Officials Public Outreach Meeting (In Person & Virtual): - Waste & Renewables Sustainability Campus. Presentation Slides. Audio Recording.

04.18.2022. 5:00 pm. City of Madison Transportation Policy and Planning Board (Virtual)- Agenda Item On City-County Agreements Pertaining to land sale and development of a portion of Yahara Hills for Sustainability Campus & Landfill, and entering into a new Solid Waste Agreement Meeting Details.

04.13.2022. 6:30 pm. City of Madison Board of Park Commissoners (Virtual)- Agenda Item On City-County Agreements Pertaining to land sale and development of a portion of Yahara Hills for Sustainability Campus & Landfill, and entering into a new Solid Waste Agreement Meeting Details.

04.12.2022. 5:30 pm. Dane County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting (Virtual): Agenda Item On Authorizing the Purchase of Land for County Landfill & Sustainability Campus from the City of Madison. Meeting Details.

04.06.2022. 4:30 pm. City of Madison Board of Public Works Meeting (Virtual)- Agenda Item On City-County Agreements Pertaining to land sale and development of a portion of Yahara Hills for Sustainability Campus & Landfill, and entering into a new Solid Waste Agreement Meeting Details.

03.19.2022. 11:00 am. Dane County Landfill Tour (In Person): Join us on this special tour to learn more about our current work and vision for meeting Dane County's future waste management needs. Registration.

03.17.2022. 6:00 pm. Yahara Hill Neighborhood Development Plan Amendment- Neighborhood Meeting (In person & Virtual): Join the City of Madison and Dane County to review the proposed amendment to the neighborhood plan to accomodate for the proposed Sustainability Campus. Watch Recording.

03.10.2022. 6.00pm. Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) Public Hearing (Virtual): Topic: Amendment of the Dane County Water Quality Plan by Revising the Sewer Service Area Boundary and Environmental Corridors in the Central Urban Service Area (City of Madison / Yahara Hills Neighborhood). Watch Recording.

03.10.2022. 5:30 pm. Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables and the Village of McFarland (In Person & Virtual): Public Informational Meeting on Waste & Renewables Sustainability Campus. Watch Recording. Poster Displays.

12.16.2021. 3:30 pm. Dane County Landfill Tour (In Person): Join us on this special tour to learn more about our current work and vision for meeting Dane County's future waste management needs. Registration.

12.7.2021. 5:30 pm. Dane County Public Works & Transportation Committee Special Session. Virtual (Zoom):Public Informational Meeting on Waste & Renewables Sustainability Campus. Watch Recording.

11.03.2021. 6:30 pm. City of Madison Board of Park Commissioners Meeting. Virtual (Zoom): Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables Informational Presentation Regarding Possible Future Use of Portion of Yahara Hills Golf Course for Proposed Yahara Sustainability Campus. Meeting Minutes

10.12.2021. 5:30 pm. Dane County Public Works Meeting (Virtual): Agenda Item on Department of Waste & Renewables Budget Overview Meeting Minues.

05.24.2021. 12:00 pm. County Public Works Sustainability Subcommittee Meeting (Virtual): Agenda Item on Department of Waste & Renewables Presentations: Innovation Campus & Trash Lab. Meeting Minues.

03.18.2021. 7:00 pm. Waste as a Resource Informational Presentation to County Board Waste as a Resource Informational Presentation to County Board (Virtual): Announcement of project to County Board Meeting Minues.

10.26.2020. 4:30 pm. City of Madison Sustainable Madison Committee Meeting (Virtual): Soft announcement of project during SWAC presentation. Meeting Minutes.