Indy Residents Divided Over New Trash Bin Rollout

In November 2025, Indianapolis residents served by private vendors have been required to exchange their trash bins as the city transitions to a new solid waste contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems starting January 1, 2026. This change has sparked much criticism from local residents.

Some Indy residents suspect the new gray bins are smaller than the previous green or blue carts, while others say the new bins are the same size but skinnier and too tall. Many have also criticized a directive for the bin lids to be completely closed at pickup time, as well as a warning not to throw away any yard waste.

However, a Department of Public Works spokesman has stated that despite the many complaints, nothing has changed about the city's waste acceptance policies, cart capacity, or other trash pickup rules. The apparent ban on yard waste is also imprecise, as smaller items like twigs and leaves can still be disposed of in the regular trash, while larger yard waste must be set aside for heavy trash collection.

The city encourages residents to handle yard waste in more environmentally-friendly ways, such as mulching leaves, composting, or using services that convert yard waste into mulch and soil. Indianapolis also has seasonal programs for disposing of fall leaves and Christmas trees.

Overall, while the transition to the new waste contract has caused confusion and frustration for some Indy residents, the city maintains that the core policies and services remain unchanged despite the new bin rollout.