News Summary
Indianapolis is set to overhaul its waste management services with a new trash collection system starting in 2026. The transition will involve Lakeshore Recycling Systems taking over from existing providers, including Republic Services and Waste Management. New trash carts will begin distribution to residents in late 2023, ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining existing recycling services at no additional cost. The city aims for improved reliability in trash collection and universal curbside recycling by 2028, responding to residents’ concerns about service quality and missed pickups.
Indianapolis to Implement New Trash Collection System in 2026
Indianapolis is preparing to update its waste management services, with plans to introduce a new trash collection system beginning in 2026. The initiative involves the transition of trash pickup services from existing providers to Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), marking a significant change for residents across the city.
Transition Details and Timeline
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) announced that, starting January 1, 2026, Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) will assume responsibility for trash collection services previously handled by Republic Services and Waste Management. To facilitate this transition, the city will begin distributing new trash carts to eligible residents on October 6, 2023.
Distribution of Trash Carts and Resident Instructions
The initial rollout of new trash carts will focus on residents in Districts 1 and 6. Each household will receive one new trash cart, and these carts will come with a hangar tag containing detailed instructions from LRS. During their regular trash pickup day, residents are required to leave their old trash carts at the curb, emptied. If a household owns multiple carts, only one old cart needs to be left for removal.
Unchanged Recycling Services and Cost Details
Current recycling customers can continue using their existing recycling carts without any changes. The city clarified that residents will not face any charges for exchanging their trash carts, and no additional fees will be levied for the new carts. Residents wishing to obtain more than one trash cart may purchase extras from current vendors at a cost of $65 each. Those with a second cart may retain it until further guidance is issued.
Service Areas and Contract Details
The new contract with LRS covers waste collection for residents in seven solid waste districts. Meanwhile, four districts will maintain service through the city’s Department of Public Works and AFSCME Local #725. The contract was approved by the city’s Board of Public Works, reflecting a move to improve trash collection reliability amid ongoing issues with missed pickups in Marion County.
Goals for Recycling and Future Developments
An essential objective of the new waste management plan is the achievement of universal curbside recycling for all Indianapolis residents by 2028. This initiative will involve processing recyclables at a specifically constructed minerals recovery facility, aimed at increasing recycling rates and environmental sustainability.
Background and Resident Engagement
The City of Indianapolis conducted a trash collection survey in May 2024 to gather resident input on choosing a new waste service provider. The new contract and service overhaul are part of ongoing efforts to enhance trash collection services and address public concerns about missed pickups, quality, and service consistency.
Summary
Overall, Indianapolis’s move to partner with Lakeshore Recycling Systems signals a significant shift in city waste management. Residents will begin receiving new trash carts in October 2023, with the full transition to LRS services scheduled for January 2026. The initiative aims to improve trash collection reliability and extend comprehensive recycling services across the city by 2028, offering residents better service at no extra cost, while enabling future expansion of recycling programs.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WRTV News
- Google Search: Indianapolis Trash Collection
- WTHR News
- Google Scholar: Indianapolis Waste Management
- IndyStar News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Recycling
- WISH TV News
- Google News: Indianapolis Recycling Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
