Update: Indianapolis awards solid waste contract, updates recycling drop-off program

The Indianapolis Board of Public Works has authorized the approval of a contract that will make Rosemont, Illinois-based LRS the comprehensive solid waste collections vendor for the city of Indianapolis.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, LRS will service Indianapolis residents currently serviced by existing vendors in seven solid waste districts. Residents who live in the remaining four solid waste districts will continue to receive services from the Indy Department of Public Works (DPW)/ American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local no. 725.

The awarding of this contract marks the final step in a multiyear procurement process resulting in the award of four contracts for the collection, disposal and processing of solid waste and recycling in Indianapolis.

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Under this contract, universal curbside recycling will begin for all Indianapolis residents in 2028. Recyclables will be processed at a newly constructed material recovery facility (MRF), per DPW’s recycling processing agreement with Houston-based WM. WM has invested approximately $63 million in the new facility, which will feature optical sorting scanners for fiber and plastic, system upgrades to support glass cleaning and recovery and a fire detection system.

LRS will work with Morristown, New Jersey-based Reworld and Southside Landfill to provide solid waste, heavy waste and leaf collection services.

“This is the culmination of a years-long process as Indy DPW and the Office of Sustainability sought out comprehensive services at a fair rate for Indianapolis taxpayers,” says acting DPW Director Todd Wilson. “LRS has a breadth of experience, including in Chicago and throughout the Great Lakes Region, and we look forward to partnering with them and the three other selected vendors to bring enhanced services, including universal curbside recycling, to Indianapolis.”

Households currently eligible for residential waste collection will continue to receive service at existing set-out locations. DPW says residents will receive new, city-branded collection carts closer to the start of LRS’ contract. These carts will be owned by the city at the end of the contract.

"We are honored to partner with the city of Indianapolis and Marion County to provide waste collection services, with a rollout of universal curbside recycling for all residents in 2028," LRS CEO Matt Spencer says. "This contract marks a significant milestone for LRS as we continue expanding our footprint and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable, customer-focused waste solutions. Indianapolis is taking a forward-thinking approach to waste diversion, and we are excited to play a key role in supporting the city’s long-term sustainability goals.

“At LRS, we prioritize innovation, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility, and we look forward to bringing those values to the residents of Indianapolis. We are eager to serve the community and deliver a seamless transition in waste collection services while helping the city achieve a cleaner, greener future.”

In addition to the new waste and recycling contracts, the city of Indianapolis announced changes to its community recycling drop-off program last week with the removal of the community recycling drop-off site at Washington Square Mall.

Indianapolis’ recycling drop-off program only accepts household recyclables, including glass; no. 1 and no. 2 plastic bottles and jugs; aluminum, tin and steel beverage and food cans; and newspapers, broken down cardboard boxes, paper and magazines.

*This article was updated March 17, 2025, to include comments from LRS CEO Matt Spencer and information about the new recycling center.