Contact

Email Us

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Mailing Address

1100 East 8th Street
Michigan City, IN 43680

Call Us

(219) 873-1530 ›

Hours

Mon – Fri 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Department Overview

The Refuse Department collects trash, garbage, yard waste, and compost throughout Michigan City. Public and employee safety as well as environmental protection are of paramount importance.

All refuse must be placed in City-issued trash collection containers called toters.

House hold Hazardous Waste Guidelines

Household Hazardous Waste or “HHW” are not allowed to be put out with the trash.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average household disposes of one pound of hazardous waste each year. HHW are unwanted products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients that require special care upon disposal. Pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers; burning them; flushing them down the toilet; burying them; dumping them in vacant lots or in ditches; or putting them out with your trash.

2026 Spring Clean-up

Michigan City’s 2026 Spring Clean-Up begins Monday, March 23. Residents must place approved items out by the Sunday before their scheduled pickup week. Items set out after that deadline may not be collected.

To simplify the program, the City has eliminated spring clean-up zones and will now follow the normal pickup schedule.

As part of this community clean-up effort, Michigan City is also offering the Waste Not, Want Not program to help residents safely dispose of unwanted household items.

The City will also host a drop-off event on Wednesday, April 1, and Saturday, April 4 at the Michigan City Municipal Airport at Phillips Field, 1300 North Highway 212 for approved household items.

Please see the information below for pickup dates, accepted items, and program details.

Yard Waste & Compost Policy

To help keep Michigan City clean and ensure efficient service for all residents, the Refuse Department follows specific guidelines for weekly collection. These policies are designed to protect our crews, streamline pick-up, and maintain safe and sanitary conditions in our neighborhoods. Please review the following requirements before placing containers at the curb.

Compost pick up begins the first week of April. The last week of pick up will be the week before the Thanksgiving holiday.

  • Each resident is limited to four (4) 32 Gallon garbage container.

  • Each container must have a lid. (Recommend drilling holes in lid and container and attaching with zip ties on one side to allow the opening and closing of container and prevent loss due to windy weather)

  • Containers must be structurally sound and have operable handles.

  • Each container must weigh less than 50 pounds.

  • Containers cannot contain any sod, dirt, or non-organic materials.

  • Compost is picked up at the curb in front of your home on the same day as your garbage pickup.

  • If there is anything blocking your compost from being picked up, such as vehicles, your compost pickup will resume the following week.

Environmental Violations

Environmental violations are not only unsightly, but they can be serious health and safety hazards. It is against City Ordinance for properties to contain:

  • Uncollected trash, garbage, litter, or debris
  • Demolition remains
  • Appliances or furniture in the yard
  • Auto parts and scrap metal
  • Grass over 6 inches tall

  • Fallen trees, stumps, dead trees, and cut brush

For questions about trash, garbage, litter or debris, please contact the Refuse Department.

Quick Links & Information

Sanitary District

The Michigan City Sanitary District is responsible for the construction and maintenance of all sanitary sewers and storm sewers.

Sanitary Board

The Michigan City Sanitary District is responsible for the construction and maintenance of all sanitary sewers and storm sewers.

Central Services

The Central Services Division is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all City owned property.

Leaf Collection

Leaf collections are made continuously within the city limits throughout the season until all leaves are removed.

Trash Pickup

Michigan City provides reliable curbside trash collection to ensure a clean and safe community. Residents can find information on pickup schedules, guidelines for proper waste disposal, and bulk item collection.

Residential Recycling

The La Porte County Solid Waste District will reduce or eliminate dependence on final disposal facilities by advocating source reduction, recycling, and effective, environmentally- sound waste disposal.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Find information on safe disposal methods and collection events for household hazardous waste items in Michigan City.

Not Just A Great Place To Visit, But A Great Place To Live

Michigan City offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and economic opportunity. Whether you’re a visitor exploring our stunning beaches or a resident enjoying our close-knit community, you’ll find endless reasons to call this place home.