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South Bend, IN Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Free Bulk Item
One per month
Extra Items
$20 per cubic yard
Refrigerant Items
Removal certificate required
Scheduling
Call 311

Summary

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.

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).

Source: South Bend Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).

Full Breakdown

Getting rid of a couch, mattress, or old appliance goes through the City, not a private hauler. Under Municipal Code Sec. 16-6(c)(4), the first large item each month, such as a refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, table, chair, or sofa, is collected free on your normal Monday-through-Thursday pickup day. Each additional item or cubic yard is billed at the special-collection rate of $20 per cubic yard. Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers must have their refrigerant professionally removed first, with a signed certificate stating who removed it and when, before the Division of Solid Waste will pick them up. Request bulk pickup through 311 or the Utilities billing office.

Violations & Fines

Dumping bulky waste at the curb without arranging pickup, or on a vacant lot or alley, is illegal dumping enforced by Neighborhood Services & Enforcement and can be abated at the owner's expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of a couch or old fridge in South Bend?
The City collects one large item free per month on your regular pickup day. Refrigerators and freezers need a certificate showing the refrigerant was professionally removed before pickup.
What does extra bulk pickup cost?
After the first free item each month, additional items are billed at the special-collection rate of $20 per cubic yard under Municipal Code Sec. 16-6(c)(1). Schedule through 311.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in South Bend

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All South Bend rules

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