City of Gary Launches City Operated Residential Trash Collection: “Gary Strong: Our City. Our Service.”

GARY, IND. – The City of Gary announced that the Gary Sanitary District (GSD) will officially take over residential solid waste collection services, effective January 1, 2026. This shift from Republic Services is part of a broader effort to provide residents with more predictable collection costs, maintain stable household rates, and improve service quality and response times amid rising private service rates.

The transition is designed to be seamless for residents. All collection schedules will remain the same, and each household will receive a new black collection can. Residents should note the following key service details:

• Collection Cost: Collection will cost residents $24.15 a month.  

• No Service Interruption: The current collection schedule will remain the same.  

• Collection Cans: GSD will only collect garbage from GSD-issued cans. Each household will receive one can, with the option to add a second for $10 per month plus a one-time $25 delivery fee. To purchase a second can, call GSD customer service at 219-944-1211.

• Bulk Item Pickup: One Large item curbside pickup is offered during the first week of each month. Residents with a valid Gary ID may also drop off large items at 3600 W. 3rd Avenue once per month. (Please note electronics such as TVs, appliances, and similar items are not accepted and must be taken to the E-Waste Program at 900 Madison St., Gary, IN 46402.)

• Can Responsibility: Residents are responsible for their issued cans. GSD is not liable for stolen cans; replacement requires payment. The city encourages residents to label or mark their cans with their address to protect them.

• Old Cans: Existing cans will be collected during the last pickup of the year.

• New Can Delivery: New cans will arrive and will be set in the front of your property in December.

“This is a new chapter for the City of Gary—one where we take charge of our essential services to directly benefit our residents,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “By bringing trash collection in-house, we are insulating families from unpredictable future rate hikes, ensuring rates remain stable. This is more than a service change; it’s a commitment to local control and local investment.”

To facilitate the transition, the City of Gary has made significant investments:

• New Equipment: A fleet of brand-new (10), modern collection trucks have been purchased.

• Local Jobs: Fourteen (14) new drivers have been hired and are currently undergoing specialized training to join the Gary Sanitary District team.
  

"The investment in new vehicles and the creation of new, local jobs underscores our dedication to improving infrastructure and employment within our city," added Ragen Hatcher, GSD Director. "We are ready to provide the professional, accountable, and reliable service that every Gary resident deserves."

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