Trash & Recycling in Lake County, IN (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Lake County, Indiana.
Verified from official government sources
Bin Placement Rules
In unincorporated Lake County commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and multi-family districts, dumpsters and refuse containers must be enclosed by a solid fence or wall at least five feet high. The county sets no single-family trash-can storage rule; your hauler and city handle bin storage.
Refuse Container Screening in Lake County Zoning Code
Some RestrictionsLake County, IN Code Ch. 154 (Zoning Code)
In commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and multi-family residential zoning districts, property owners must erect and maintain a solid fence or wall, not less than five feet in height, completely enclosing containers used for the collection of refuse including dumpsters, multiple trash cans, boxes, garbage bags, paper, cardboard and plastic bags.
Illegal Dumping
Unincorporated Lake County has a dedicated Illegal Dumping ordinance (Chapter 99) plus a Littering chapter (Chapter 97). Statewide, Indiana bans open dumping of solid waste (IC 13-30-2-1) and makes leaving refuse on another's property littering, a Class B infraction (IC 35-45-3-2).
Illegal Dumping and Littering in Lake County
Some RestrictionsIC 35-45-3-2
A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally places or leaves refuse on property of another person, except in a container provided for refuse, commits littering, a Class B infraction.
Collection Schedule
Unincorporated Lake County requires every licensed manufactured home park to have garbage and rubbish collected at least twice weekly, per County Code § 152.035(D)(7)(b). Disposal must satisfy the County Health Officer and create no nuisance or health menace. Where no municipal or private hauler serves the park, the operator itself must provide twice-weekly collection or face misdemeanor fines.
Manufactured Home Park Trash Pickup in Lake County
Some RestrictionsLake County, IN Code § 152.035(D)(7)(a)-(b) (Prior Code § 152.030; Ord. 1626, passed 6-13-1995)
(a) Garbage and rubbish shall be disposed of in a manner approved by the County Health Officer and in a manner designed not to create a nuisance or a menace to health. (b) All refuse and garbage shall be collected at least twice weekly. Where suitable collection service is not available from municipal or private agencies, the manufactured home park operator shall provide this service.
All Lake County ordinances
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