City officials have removed the only community recycling drop-off site on the east side over concerns about vandalism.
Kyle Bloyd, chief communications officer for the Department of Public Works, told Mirror Indy on March 4 the decision to close the location at Washington Square Mall came after multiple fires had been set.
He also said illegal dumping has been a problem. People have been leaving trash or recycling piled up outside the recycling container.
Indianapolis residents can dispose of household recyclables for free at 11 other community drop-off sites across the city. In a news release, DPW said “the future longevity of each drop-off site is contingent upon the public utilizing it for its intended purpose.”
Bloyd said DPW is open to speaking with community partners interested in hosting a community recycling site. New locations should have space at least 80 feet long by 40 feet wide to accommodate the roll-off boxes. Sites should also have extra clearance for safe access and traffic flow. Interested partners should email sustainindy@indy.gov.
The drop-off locations are critical for some residents, because Indianapolis is the largest city in the country without universal curbside recycling.
The city’s goal is to launch universal curbside recycling in 2028, three years after Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration initially said it would launch.
Mirror Indy reporter Darian Benson covers east Indianapolis. Contact her at 317-397-7262 or darian.benson@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @HelloImDarian or on Bluesky @darianbenson.bsky.social.
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