The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) and Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) will soon begin exchanging residents' current trash carts for new carts across the city.

Earlier this year, Indy DPW announced thatLRS would be taking over solid waste collection in 2026 for areas currently serviced by Republic Services and WM. Ahead of that, residents serviced by those providers will receive new carts that will replace their current carts.

"Over the course of the next several weeks, residents will start receiving new, gray trash carts," said Indy DPW Director Todd Wilson. "It is important that residents closely review instructions included with their new cart to help ensure a seamless transition ahead of next year's new solid waste service. If you currently have Indy DPW for solid waste collection and already have a gray cart, you do not need to take any action."

On October 6, crews will begin dropping off new trash carts across the city. These carts will include a hangar tag with instructions from LRS. Once residents receive a new cart, they can begin using it immediately and cease using their Republic Services or WM cart. Residents are asked to leave their old cart empty and on the curb on your regular service day and it will be removed in the following weeks. Crews will begin distributing carts in solid waste districts 1 & 6.

f residents have more than one trash cart, only one old cart needs to be left at the curb for exchange. Recycling customers can continue using their existing recycling cart.

There is no charge for this trash cart exchange. The trash cart being delivered is assigned to your address and is not to be taken if/when you move away.

LRS will assume old routes from WM and Republic Services on Jan. 1, 2026. Pickup days will not change for residents, although the time trash is picked up may vary.