Kokomo, IN Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Weight limit (non-automated)
- 50 pounds per container, contents included
- Bag condition
- Must be unbroken, securely tied, not frozen
- Broken/spilled loads
- Not collected until repackaged
- Cardboard boxes
- Allowed if liftable by one person, dry
- Fine for strewn refuse
- Up to $1,000 per day (§ 95.99)
Summary
In the City of Kokomo, § 95.06 tells residents when their garbage and rubbish will not be picked up: loose or spilled material, broken containers, and route-specific weight and condition limits all stop a collection. Non-automated routes cap containers at 50 pounds and refuse frozen, animal-invaded, or improperly bagged loads.
(D) Garbage and rubbish not in the aforementioned types of containers or bags, or garbage or rubbish whose containers have broken, and the contents scattered on the ground, shall not be picked up.
(E) Garbage and rubbish will not be collected if the non- automated route container and contents is more than 50 pounds in weight; if the content of the container is not in unbroken and securely tied heavy duty plastic bags, if the bags are frozen in the container, if the container is frozen to the ground, or if there is evidence that animals have invaded the container.
Full Breakdown
Section 95.06(D) bars pickup of garbage and rubbish that is not in an approved container or bag, and of any load whose container has broken with its contents scattered on the ground; a broken bag or can does not get service until it is fixed or repackaged. Division (E) adds route-specific conditions for non-automated routes: the city will not collect a container and its contents if together they weigh more than 50 pounds, if the contents are not in unbroken, securely tied heavy-duty plastic bags, if the bags are frozen inside the container, if the container itself is frozen to the ground, or if there is evidence that animals have gotten into the container.
Cardboard boxes may be used as containers if they meet the same size limits and can be lifted by one person, but a water-soaked box, whether from weather or wet garbage, will not be collected either. Under § 95.07(A)(1), everything that does meet the container rules of § 95.06 is collected without a limit on the number of containers at a pickup, provided the material comes from domestic use and does not run into the size and weight exclusions covering large or hazardous items.
Violations & Fines
Setting out garbage that violates § 95.06's container, weight, or condition rules does not by itself bring a fine, since it simply is not picked up, but garbage or rubbish left strewn on the ground instead of properly bagged is a separate violation of § 95.06(I), punishable under § 95.99 by up to $1,000 for each day it remains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't Kokomo pick up my trash?
Can I use a cardboard box instead of a trash can in Kokomo?
Is there a limit on how many trash containers Kokomo will collect?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kokomo
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