Trash & Recycling in Indianapolis, IN (2026)
4 verified trash & recycling rules for Indianapolis, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Indianapolis provides weekly curbside trash collection through the Department of Public Works using 95-gallon automated carts. Residents must place carts at the curb by 7 AM on their designated collection day with the lid closed and handle facing the house. Extra trash that does not fit in the cart can be placed in bags next to the cart. Bulk items and yard waste follow separate collection schedules. The city does not charge separately for basic trash collection, as it is funded through property taxes.
Indianapolis Trash Pickup Schedules & Rules
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Indianapolis requires trash and recycling carts to be placed at the curb with the lid closed and the handle facing the house for automated collection. Carts must be placed on a flat surface at the edge of the street or curb, not blocking sidewalks, mailboxes, or parked cars. There should be at least three feet of clearance around each cart. Carts placed incorrectly may not be serviced by the automated collection trucks.
Indianapolis Trash Bin Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Indianapolis offers scheduled bulk item pickup through the Department of Public Works. Residents can request free bulk pickup for items such as furniture, appliances, and mattresses by calling the Mayor's Action Center or submitting a request online. Items must be placed at the curb on the scheduled day. The city also operates the Citizens' Transfer Station where residents can drop off bulk waste for a fee. Electronics and hazardous materials require separate disposal arrangements.
Indianapolis Bulk Item Disposal & Pickup
Some RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Indianapolis provides weekly curbside recycling collection using blue 95-gallon carts. The program is single-stream, accepting paper, cardboard, plastics #1-5 and #7, glass bottles, and metal cans in one cart. Recycling is collected on the same day as trash. The program is voluntary but strongly encouraged. Contamination from non-recyclable items in the blue cart can result in the cart not being serviced. The city does not mandate recycling for single-family residential properties.
Indianapolis Mandatory Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsLooking for Marion County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Indianapolis city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Marion County →