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Sustainability in everything we do.
The City of Monona is a leader in environmental sustainability, and believes that a commitment to the environment is crucial to having a flourishing community. Having sustainability in mind while supporting the ecological, economic, and social needs of our community ensures that we will not deplete or minimize the resources of future generations.
Pollinators like bees are critical for our food production - the USDA estimates that 1 in 3 bites of food depends on pollinators for its production! However, pollinator populations are dwindling due to habitat loss and environmental contaminants.
Last year, Monona revised its lawn length ordinance to allow for No Mow May - when residents can grow their grass and let wildflowers bloom during the month of May, a critical time period for pollinators.
No Mow May is nearly over this year, but there are still actions you can take to create beneficial habitat for pollinators! You can consider a Slow Mow Summer and gradually replace your turf grass with slow and low-growing plants. Or, you can plant a Flowering Lawn or Bee Lawn by mixing wildflowers in with your turfgrass. These lawns are provide food for pollinators all summer long, require less maintenance and resources, and create healthier soil!
If you are interested in more ways you can create habitat for bees and other pollinator habitat on your property and throughout Monona, consider joining the Sustainability Committee's Bee and Butterfly Brigade - sign up here!
Each year, the City analyzes its energy, water, transportation and waste data to track progress towards goals like those outlined in the 100% Clean Energy Resolution. Check out the 2021 Dashboard below to see how the city made progress last year.
Curbside Bin Recycling
Recycling helps protect natural resources and reduces the material we send to the landfill, making our community healthier and more resilient as the climate changes. But to see the benefits, we have to Recycle Right.
When unrinsed or non-recyclable items end up in our curbside bins, they’re considered contamination – they actually have to be picked out. Since we pay by the volume of recycling picked up, it costs the City money – that’s your money – and creates a lot of extra work for the recycling plant. Make sure that only glass, plastic, metal and paper go in your bin.
To help you recycle right, the City created a one-page flyer that details what should do into your bin and a Recyclopedia that explains that and so much more.
Recycle Right Flyer | City of Monona Recyclopedia
For more information about trash and recycling collection times and requirements, click here. Monona contracts with Advanced Disposal for the City’s recycling and waste services.
**A note for residents, Advanced Disposal will not be picking up any extra recycling items at this time, so do not place items next to the bins as the drivers are instructed to not exit the vehicle.
We know that paper, plastic, glass and metal can go in our curbside recycling bins, but did you know that other household items, like electronics, Styrofoam and batteries, can be recycled too?
Companies in and around Monona collect these items and more, making sure they don’t end up in the landfill, where they contaminate the land and water. The more we can keep them out of the landfill, the healthier and more resilient our land and water will be.
You can safely dispose of household hazardous waste like pains, chemicals and e-waste at Dane County’s Clean Sweep. They’re open 7am-2:45pm on weekdays and 8am-10:45am on Saturdays. Please read over their COVID-19 guidelines before dropping off items.
If you have used motor oil to dispose of, please visit the City of Madison’s website for disposal locations
To see a full list of specialty recycling items and where to drop them off, check out the City of Monona Recyclopedia. The City is working on an interactive map of these companies and the items they collect, which will be coming soon.
Visit the Monona Recycling Map to find locations that take typically non-recyclable items like household hazardous wastes, E-waste such as old TV’s and electronics, appliances, Styrofoam, plastic grocery bags, and more!
Monona is known as the city of trees. And Monona is on the move to restoring and growing our tree canopy. Trees naturally clean the air we need to survive while providing beauty, shade, nutrients, wildlife habitat and increasing our property values. Monona has consistently replaced or added to our tree canopy as diseased or dangerous trees are removed. As the number of ash trees needing removal explodes, we’ve increased the City budget dedicated to keeping pace.
Earlier this year, the City Council also created a way for our whole community to help – a new City Forestry Fund.
For a list of recommended and native tree species from the City, please click here.
Monona has renewed its bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award from the League of American Bicyclists. For more information, please read the press release.
The Sustainability Committee, Monona Community Media and students from MG21 collaborated to record stories from Monona resident who have taken on sustainable projects in their homes. Featured projects include solar panels, home energy audits, and event a LEED Platinum certified home! Explore them all on the Sustainability Champions story map.
Leaf Management: Adopt a Storm Drain Project
Degrading leaves, left unattended during the fall season, produce phosphorous that contaminates our lakes. Preventing leaves from entering our storm drains keeps our water cleaner and healthier. To adopt your storm drain, visit our web page!
100% Clean Energy Resolution
In March 2019, the City Council approved a resolution to pursue 100% clean energy to satisfy all municipal and community demand by 2040 and 2050, respectively. The resolution addresses issues of climate change and resiliency, along with the economic benefits of transitioning to renewables.
Follow the Sustainable Monona Facebook page for more resources, updates and sustainability news!
Monona is proud to be a Green Tier Legacy Community! This charter is a committed partnership with non-profits, organization, and other Wisconsin governments to developing and implementing sustainable development. Click here to learn more about our membership!
Monona is proud to be a Dane County Climate Champion, for our efforts in water conservation!