Bloomington, IN Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Curb deadline
- 5 a.m. on collection day
- Collection hours
- 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. only
- Clearance from trees/poles/hydrants
- 4 feet
- Clearance from parked vehicles
- 10 feet
- Fine per violation
- $50 (cart removal: $25)
- Enforcing agency
- Public Works / HAND
Summary
In the City of Bloomington, the department of public works collects solid waste, recycling and yard waste on each address's assigned day under rules the board of public works sets. Carts must sit at the curb, lids closed and facing the street, no later than 5 a.m. on collection day, and crews work only between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
(a)Collection of solid waste, recycling, yard waste, large items and appliances shall be made at least once each week or more often as may be ordered by the board of public works. Collection schedules shall be established and published by the board. ... (c)Collection shall be made from curbs or, where there are no curbs, the property line immediately adjacent to the public thoroughfare. In order to be collected, all carts, yard waste, and other items must be placed adjacent to the curbs, facing the street and suitable for automated collection.(1)All residents except those approved for special assistance for a person with a disability, illness or infirmity shall place their solid waste and recycling carts and yard waste containers at curbside or at the edge of the street no later than five a.m. on the day of collection. ... (j)Collection shall be made only between the hours of five a.m. and nine p.m.
Full Breakdown
080, requires collection at least weekly under a schedule the board of public works publishes. on the assigned collection day. Carts and containers must sit at least four feet from any tree, pole, mailbox or fire hydrant, and at least ten feet from any vehicle parked in the street, so they do not interfere with overhead lines, tree branches or traffic. Carts cannot be painted, mutilated or altered, and collection never happens from alleyways. , and it is a violation for any unauthorized commercial hauler to collect refuse from addresses on routes the city sanitation division already serves, though a homeowner's occasional bulk-trash removal during a move or seasonal cleanup does not need authorization. Paints, stains, liquid hazardous materials, and anything infested with vermin will not be collected as part of regular pickup.
Violations & Fines
Under § 6.04.100, HAND or public works staff issue a written notice of violation, either a citation or a non-collection notice left on the cart. The fine is $50 for most violations of the chapter (a separate $25 fine applies only to leaving carts out too long under § 6.04.110). Nonpossessory owners get a seven-day grace period if they show HAND a copy of the lease. Fines are paid at the city controller's office and can be appealed to the board of public works within seven days, with further appeal to a court of competent jurisdiction within sixty days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do my carts need to be at the curb in Bloomington?
Can a private hauler pick up my household trash instead of the city?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
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