New trash provider begins service in Indianapolis

By Peter Blanchard

Residents who had their trash picked up by Waste Management or Republic Services now have a new company handling their garbage.

Earlier this year, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works signed a 10-year contract with Illinois-based Lakeshore Recycling Systems to take over trash collection in areas currently served by Republic Services and Waste Management.

As part of that change, residents with a green or blue cart began receiving new, gray trash carts in October.

If you still have your old cart, you can leave it empty at the curb on your trash pickup day. Note that it could take up to three weeks for it to get collected.

Residents who have their trash picked up by Indy DPW will keep their existing cart. Heavy trash pickup days will continue as scheduled for all Marion County residents.

Click here to find your solid waste provider as well as your trash pickup day.

New recycling provider

Lakeshore Recycling Systems is also replacing Republic Services as the recycling provider for all Marion County residents. Your recycling cart will remain the same.

LRS began sending out invoices to customers in December. If you were billed by Republic Services or Waste Management for recycling service after 2025, you should request a refund directly from your service provider.

Curbside recycling will be free to all Marion County residents in 2028.

For additional questions about these changes, you can contact the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622.

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Peter Blanchard covers local government. Reach him at 317-605-4836 or peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @peterlblanchard.