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Indianapolis, IN Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Who must comply
Single-family residence owners
Set-out standard
Per DPW rules and regulations
After pickup
Waste presumed abandoned
Excluded
Multifamily residences (5+ units)

Summary

Single-family residents who want city trash pickup must prepare and set out solid waste according to Department of Public Works rules, or it won't be collected.

Any person accumulating residential solid waste on any single-family residence owned or controlled by him, and desiring such solid waste to be collected and removed by the city or persons under contract with or licensed by the city, shall prepare and set out such solid waste according to the rules and regulations promulgated by the department of public works. Residential solid waste prepared and set out in this manner is presumed to be abandoned, and the owner's rights in such solid waste are relinquished upon collection and removal by the city, or persons under contract with or licensed by the city.

(Code 1975, § 13-3)

Source: City of Indianapolis Department of Public WorksView 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 47 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Code Sec. 601-3 requires anyone accumulating residential solid waste on a single-family residence to prepare and set it out per DPW rules and regulations if they want city collection or collection by a city-licensed hauler. Once set out this way, the waste is presumed abandoned and the owner's rights in it are relinquished on pickup. Multifamily residences (5+ units) are excluded from city collection service under a separate section.

Violations & Fines

The chapter is enforced primarily by the division of property and land use services; failing to follow DPW set-out rules can mean missed collection and, for unlawful dumping under the related section, fines starting at $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to put out trash?
No, but it must be prepared and set out following Department of Public Works rules for it to be collected.
What happens to my trash once it's set out?
Sec. 601-3 says it is presumed abandoned and your ownership rights end once the city or its licensed hauler collects it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Indianapolis

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All Indianapolis rules

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