RELEASE: City of Indianapolis announces new trash vendor for 2026; universal curbside recycling for 2028

City of Indianapolis announces new trash vendor for 2026; universal curbside recycling for 2028  

INDIANAPOLIS -- On Wednesday, the Board of Public Works authorized the approval of a contract that will make Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC (LRS) the comprehensive solid waste collections vendor for the City of Indianapolis. Starting January 1, 2026, LRS will service Indianapolis residents currently serviced by existing vendors in seven solid waste districts. Residents who live in the remaining four solid waste districts will continue to receive services from Indy DPW/AFSCME Local #725.  
 
To see a map of the current service providers, click here.  

The award of this contract marks the final step in a multi-year procurement process resulting in the award of four contracts for the collection, disposal, and processing of solid waste and recycling in Indianapolis.  

Under this contract, universal curbside recycling will begin for all Indianapolis residents in 2028. Recyclables will be processed at a newly-constructed materials recovery facility, per Indy DPW’s recycling processing agreement with WM. LRS will work with Reworld and Southside Landfill to provide solid waste, heavy trash, and leaf collection services. 

“This is the culmination of a years-long process as Indy DPW and the Office of Sustainability sought out comprehensive services at a fair rate for Indianapolis taxpayers,” said acting Indy DPW Director Todd Wilson. “LRS has a breadth of experience, including in Chicago and throughout the Great Lakes Region, and we look forward to partnering with them and the three other selected vendors to bring enhanced services, including universal curbside recycling, to Indianapolis.” 

Households currently eligible for residential trash collection will continue to receive service at existing set-out locations. At a future date closer to the start of LRS’s contract, residents will receive new, city-branded trash carts. These carts will be owned by the city at the end of the contract.  

Residents will be able to purchase a second cart from current vendors at $65. Residents who have already purchased a second cart can keep it with further guidance to be provided at the time of cart transition.  
 
To receive up-to-date communications from Indy DPW, subscribe to the department’s newsletter by clicking here. Indy DPW will also share updates on the changes to solid waste collection services on Facebook, Instagram , and LinkedIn.  

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