Gary officials have put a hold on plans to end curbside recycling, keeping the current program in place while they work through logistical challenges and community concerns about a shift to a drop-off system. The decision follows growing frustration over the lack of community input, accessibility to drop-off sites, and uncertainty about how the sites will be maintained.
Last month, the Gary Sanitary District’s board unanimously voted to end curbside recycling by Feb. 1, giving residents a few weeks to adjust to a drop-off system. The city originally planned to end curbside recycling and instead offer four drop-off sites across Gary where residents could bring their recyclables. Officials cited rising costs as a reason for the change, estimating it could save the city up to $400,000 a year. They also pointed to low participation, noting that only 1,500 of the city’s 20,000 eligible households used the curbside recycling program.
But after pushback over the short notice and uncertainty about site upkeep, officials now say they will continue curbside pickup while reassessing how to move forward.
At a recent community meeting hosted by Gary Common Council President Lori Latham, city officials were on hand to address residents’ frustrations over the abrupt policy shift and listen to community feedback.
Why the city considered eliminating curbside pickup
At a January GSD board meeting, officials announced that the city’s contract with Republic Services, Gary’s waste management contractor, would be renewed without curbside recycling.
GSD attorney Jewell Harris Jr. said the decision was partly driven by rising costs and increased contamination in recycling bins, which made processing more expensive.
“The costs for continued curbside recycling were set to increase significantly,” Harris said at the time, while referencing the soaring expense of sorting and separating clean recyclables from contaminated waste.
GSD Executive Director Ragen Hatcher added that continuing curbside recycling would have nearly doubled monthly fees for residents, an increase city officials wanted to avoid.
“Yes, it was a financial decision,” Hatcher said, “but we want to make sure that those who recycle regularly still have somewhere to take their materials.”
City officials also emphasized that eliminating curbside pickup would allow Gary to move toward in-house waste management rather than relying on outside contractors like Republic Services.
“We’re trying to adjust”
Michael Suggs, Gary’s chief operating officer, sought to explain the city’s about-face by saying officials took feedback from community members and their concerns on the accessibility for recycling locations.
“We’re trying to adjust,” Suggs said during the meeting, the minutes of which can be found on the city website. “Conceptually, the site locations were a good fit. But as things went on … we heard from others asking what else we can do. So as we’re trying to resolve the recycling locations. … We’re seeing what we can do.”
During the two-hour meeting, many residents asked how the city plans to keep drop-off sites clean, whether it would reconsider suspending curbside pickup permanently, and how officials could improve transparency on future policy changes.
Where are the new recycling drop-off sites?
The Gary Sanitary District has updated its list of new upcoming recycling drop-off locations. These sites will be monitored by security cameras and checked daily. Residents can take recyclables to:
- Gary Sanitary District (next to the Guard Shack)
- Miller Ave and Grand Boulevard
- Melton Road South (where U.S. 12 and U.S. 20 meet, by BMO Bank)
- Lake Street Armory
Can residents still participate in curbside recycling?
Yes — for now. Initially, curbside recycling was set to be suspended on Feb. 1. However, until further notice, the city will continue offering curbside pickup through in-house recycling services.
Suggs said the city is still evaluating the best long-term recycling options. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to continue using their green-and-yellow bins.
“I’m simply proud of our community — who is interested in doing the best they can to protect our environment,” he told Capital B Gary. “And those who want to learn more and participate, it’s great to hear the passion that is there. We want to, as a municipality, give them all the tools so that they can be successful.”
If the city fully transitions to a drop-off model, Republic Services will remove curbside bins from participating households. Residents who want their bins removed now can call (219) 882-8445, Ext. 3.
What is recyclable?
The city provides a list of acceptable recyclable items, including aluminum tins and metal cans; plastic containers with recycling numbers 1 through 5 and 7; glass bottles and jars; milk, juice and soup cartons; flattened cardboard boxes; newspaper catalogs; phone books; office paper; and envelopes.
However, items like plastic bags, used paper plates, snack bags, and light bulbs should not go in the bins. Per industry standard, if anything contaminates a recycle bin, the whole bin will be put in the trash and disposed of at the landfill.
A list of accepted recyclable items can be found here.