Junk Removal in Indianapolis

– Regular household trash in Indianapolis is typically collected once per week at the curb or alley, with carts or cans placed out no earlier than the evening before collection and by early morning (often by 7 a.m.) on pickup day. Bags should be tied, and lids closed so trash does not blow into streets or storm drains.
– Recycling is usually collected every other week in many neighborhoods, with only accepted materials (such as clean paper, cardboard, certain plastics, metals, and glass where allowed) placed loose in the recycling cart. Contaminants like plastic bags, food waste, and yard debris should stay out of recycling and go into trash or other approved programs.
– Bulk items (like sofas, mattresses, and non-hazardous household furniture) can often be set out on a scheduled bulk pickup day, typically no earlier than 24 hours before collection and by 7 a.m. on the scheduled morning. Items should be placed at the curb or designated pickup point, not blocking sidewalks, driveways, mailboxes, or fire hydrants.
– Many Indianapolis bulk programs have volume limits, often around 5–10 cubic yards per pickup (roughly a pile about 6 ft wide × 10–15 ft long × 3 ft high). Larger piles, full-house cleanouts, or multiple loads usually require special arrangements, a roll-off dumpster, or hiring a private junk removal service.
– There is a clear distinction between regular trash, recyclables, bulk items, and construction & demolition debris. Household bulk items like furniture and small appliances are often accepted with bulk pickup, but construction debris (drywall, roofing, lumber, bricks, concrete) is typically not collected through standard city bulk service and must go to an approved disposal site or be handled by a private hauler.
– Residents should keep items neatly stacked at the curb, separate metal or recyclable items when possible, and avoid placing junk near parked cars, utility poles, or in the street. Do not block storm drains, sidewalks, or alley access, as this can cause flooding or safety issues and may result in items being left behind.
– Hazardous materials such as paints, chemicals, automotive fluids, and certain electronics usually require special handling and drop-off at designated facilities; they should not be placed in regular trash or bulk piles. Always confirm the latest rules, schedules, and accepted items on the official city or county sanitation website before setting items out.