You need to clean up your act, Indianapolis. Today we’re talking all things garbage. (Plus, how to downsize your dump through recycling and composting.)
The basics
House-dwellers, this one’s for you. First step? Find your trash pick-up days . Marion County collects residential trash five days a week. When pick-up day rolls around, be sure your trash is out on the curb before 7 a.m.
All trash must be in 10- to 15-gallon garbage bags + inside your trash cart. Don’t have a cart? The city provides residents with a 96-gallon trash cart that stays with the house. But you can also grab another one for $65 .
Heavy trash
Some stuff is just too heavy to go out with the regular trash — think: box springs and household furniture. Fortunately, there are regular opportunities for heavy trash pickup or you can head to the Citizens’ Transfer Station .
Pro tip: The fee is $2 per carload or $5 per SUV.
Seasonal disposal
Burning leaves and dumping trees is illegal in Marion County. Learn how to dispose of autumn leaves and where to drop off Christmas trees .
Recycling
The city contracts with Republic Services for drop-off recycling sites throughout the city. You can also subscribe for curbside pickup from Republic’s or Ray’s, depending on your location. Find your nearest drop-off site .
Learn the rules first. Check out our tips and tricks to recycling .
Composting
Make that waste get to work by turning it into compost. Check out our beginner’s guide to composting . If you don’t have the space (or time) — consider a subscription to a local composting service .
Want to volunteer for a neighborhood cleanup? Need to drop off hazardous waste? Looking for dead animal removal? Information on these topics and more are available on the city’s website .