Parts of Indianapolis to change trash service providers; curbside recycling coming in 2028

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Residential trash services will change for some Indianapolis residents starting in 2026, but curbside recycling remains a couple years away.

Lakeshore Recycling Systems, also known by the acronym LRS, will become a new trash vendor for Indianapolis residents starting Jan. 1, the city’s Department of Public Works announced Tuesday in a news release.

Public Works and AFSCME Local No. 725 will continue to provide residential trash service for areas they already serve, which includes the downtown area.

LRS will provide trash service to parts of the city now served by Republic Services and WM, formerly known as Waste Management. New city-branded trash bins will be provided ahead of the change to LRS, and residents could purchase a second bin for $65. Additional details on bins will be provided closer to the changeover.

LRS will work with Reworld and Southside Landfill to provide solid waste, heavy trash, and leaf collection services, the release says.

Indianapolis currently doesn’t have citywide universal curbside recycling, but provides dropoff sites for recycling . Citywide universal curbside recycling pickup will begin in 2028 for Indianapolis residents, the release said. Details will come later.

Recyclables will be processed at a new materials recovery facility, per Public Works’ recycling processing agreement with WM.

• From Mirror Indy: Indy removes eastside community recycling site

The release include a current map of trash services for Indianapolis.

Statement

““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. 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.”

Todd Wilson, acting director of Indianapolis Department of Public Works