Trash & Recycling in South Bend, IN (2026)
7 verified trash & recycling rules for South Bend, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
South Bend runs its own municipal trash collection through the Public Works Division of Solid Waste. Curbside trash, yard waste, and bulky items are picked up the same day, Monday through Thursday. Look up your day at southbendin.gov or by calling 311.
South Bend Trash Pickup Schedule & Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances ch. 16, Sec. 16-6(a)
The City shall have exclusive jurisdiction over and the exclusive right to control the collection and disposal of residential refuse within the boundaries of the City of South Bend.
Bin Placement Rules
South Bend requires city-issued toters out by 6 a.m. on collection day, within two feet of the curb, lid closed and opening facing the street. Bins must sit at least three feet from other bins and objects, and cannot be blocked by a vehicle.
South Bend Trash Bin Set-Out & Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsCity of South Bend, Division of Solid Waste set-out requirements
Bins must be out by 6 am on day of pickup and placed within two feet of the curb with the lid closed and opening facing the street. Bins should NOT be blocked by a vehicle and should be at least three feet from other bins and objects.
Bulk Item Disposal
South Bend collects one large item free per household each month on your regular pickup day. Extra items run $20 per cubic yard. Appliances with refrigerant need a certificate confirming refrigerant removal before the City will haul them.
South Bend Bulk & Large-Item Pickup
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances ch. 16, Sec. 16-6(c)(4)
Each month, the first large item (for example, refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, table, chair, sofa, etc.) shall be free. Each additional item or cubic yard shall follow the rate structure set forth in Section 16-6(c)(1).
Recycling Requirements
South Bend requires recyclable materials to be separated from regular refuse and set out in bins at the locations and times the City or its registered recycling agent designates. Aluminum, bi-metal cans, glass containers, newspapers and plastics all qualify. Only the City, its recycling agents or agencies registered annually with the City Controller's Office may collect recyclables once residents place them at the curb.
South Bend Curbside Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances ch. 13, Sec. 13-86
Recyclable materials shall be prepared and separated from other refuse. Recyclable materials shall be deposited in bins or similar collection containers and placed for removal at such locations and times as designated by the City, its recycling agent(s), or other agencies which are duly registered with the City Controller's Office. All agencies wishing to perform recycling operations within the...
Illegal Dumping
South Bend bans dumping dirt, garbage, yard waste, refuse or trash on any private or public land or into any stream in or near the City under Code of Ordinances Sec. 16-38(a). Uncontrolled dumping is declared a nuisance under Sec. 16-40, investigated by a Code Enforcement Officer after a complaint, and prosecuted from there.
South Bend Illegal Dumping Penalties
Significant RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances ch. 16, Sec. 16-38
(a)Except as provided in this chapter, no person shall dump dirt, garbage, yard waste, refuse or trash of any type, kind or nature on any private or public areas or into any streams running through or adjacent to the City. This prohibition shall not apply to transfer stations operated as a part of the City's system of refuse collection and disposal.(b)This prohibition shall not apply to any mat...
Yard Waste Collection
South Bend requires residents to keep yard waste separate from household trash and set it out weekly in a City-issued container under Code of Ordinances Sec. 16-8(f). Grass and leaves cannot go in plastic bags, twigs under two inches ride free in the weekly cart, and anything bigger needs a scheduled special pickup.
South Bend Yard Waste & Brush Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances ch. 16, Sec. 16-8(f)
Yard waste as defined herein, shall be collected by the City on a weekly basis within the City limits for disposal and recycling at the City's Organic Resource Facility provided it is placed in containers furnished by the City. Each owner, occupant or lessee of any single or multifamily dwelling shall separate and keep separate any yard waste from the remainder of the residential refuse for col...
Collection Schedule
South Bend picks up residential refuse once a week on routes the Department of Public Works sets and adjusts. Containers must be at the curb or alley by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled day and back off the tree lawn within 24 hours of pickup, or the customer risks a return-trip charge.
South Bend Residential Trash Collection Days
Some RestrictionsSouth Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances ch. 16, §§ 16-8(a), 16-11
Sec. 16-11. - Time and place for collection of garbage and trash. (a)Residential refuse shall be collected once a week.(b)The Department of Public Works shall establish all routes for City collection throughout the City. ... Sec. 16-8(a) ... it shall be the duty of the dwelling occupant to keep the cover of the container tightly fitted when refuse is contained in the container, and to remove th...
Looking for St. Joseph County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement South Bend city rules.
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