Indianapolis City Council approves biweekly curbside recycling with LRS vendor transition plans

The City Council of Indianapolis convened on April 17, 2025, for a Public Works Committee meeting focused on the upcoming transition to a new universal curbside recycling program. The meeting highlighted key aspects of the program, including cost implications, vendor transitions, and logistical considerations.

The committee began by discussing the financial aspects of the new recycling service, which is projected to cost approximately $13 million for the first full year, covering the delivery of recycling carts to around 277,000 households. The decision to implement biweekly collection, rather than weekly, was emphasized as a cost-effective measure, aligning with practices in other municipalities. The committee noted that while weekly collection could yield slightly higher recovery rates of recyclable materials, the associated costs and environmental impacts of increased truck operations were significant factors in their decision.

Sean Rock, the Deputy Director of Solid Waste, provided an update on the transition to the new vendor, LRS (Landfill Reduction Services). He reported that LRS is in the process of hiring local staff and will have team members from their Chicago headquarters in Indianapolis for six months to ensure a smooth transition. The committee also discussed the deployment of new recycling carts, which will be managed by Cascade, a vendor with prior experience in the city.

Council members raised questions regarding the status of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) that will support the new recycling program. It was confirmed that WM (Waste Management) is working on acquiring land for a new facility to replace the old Ray's Trash Services site. The committee expressed interest in how the transition would affect existing carts owned by residents, with plans for WM to collect and recycle these old carts once the new ones are deployed.

Concerns about the logistics of having two carts during the transition period were discussed, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods. The committee acknowledged the importance of clear communication with residents regarding the collection schedule and the handling of old carts.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the long-term financial sustainability of the recycling program. The committee noted that the new contract with LRS includes a cost escalator of approximately 3.3% per year, which is lower than previous contracts. This pricing structure, combined with the anticipated savings of $7.6 million by 2028, positions the city to manage the costs of universal recycling effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing its recycling efforts while balancing budgetary constraints and logistical challenges. The transition to LRS is set to begin on January 1, 2026, marking a significant step forward in Indianapolis's waste management strategy.