FAQs

Below is a list of questions we answer frequently. If your question is not addressed here, you can call us at (800) 234-6881 or use our contact form to send us your question via email. A customer care representative will contact you promptly.

Answer
Do my leaves need to be in my cart (automated routes)?
If you can fit your leaves into your cart, we would prefer that. However, you are allowed 10 additional bags of leaves only, outside of your cart. You will be charged $.50 per bag for any bags over the weekly 10 bag limit.
Do you take large items and when?
When you call our office 24 hours in advance of your pickup day, we take heavy items on your normal trash pickup day (sometimes with a different vehicle). There is a nominal fee for the special pickup based on the type of item. Prices begin at $25.00.
Does the trash inside the cart have to bagged?
Yes. All trash must be bagged and placed inside the toter (if applicable) or your own personal trash cans. If you do not use trash cans please make sure your bagged trash is securely prepared.
How many toters (carts) are we allowed to have?
Each resident on an automated route receives one toter for no additional charge with the service. If you would like additional toters we will provide up to 3 for a nominal fee per month.
How will I know if my recycling service will be changing?
Don't worry; Republic will notify you by mail of any service changes. We will also attach a flyer to your new recycle cart upon arrival, reminding you of the change along with a recycling schedule calendar.
Is my recycling material collected on the same day as the trash?
In most cases this is true, except for certain sections of the City of Indianapolis.
My neighborhood automated recycling is every other week, I am afraid I will not be able to recycle as much as before.
Studies have proven that if you have a bigger container, people recycle more. In the past, our curbside bins would hold only 18 gallons of recyclables. Our new 65-gallon containers not only hold over 3 times more, they are much easier to take to the curb. By recycling, we are helping to conserve energy, save our natural resources and reduce waste going into landfills. In this case, more is better.
Now that our automated recycling service is every other week, shouldn't my price be reduced?
One would initially think that is the case, however it isn't. Keep in mind the main reason we changed to automation was to extend the working life of our employees and provide you with a consistent product (Refer to "Why are you automating some recycling routes"). In doing so, we incur increased costs through the form of larger, more expensive, recycle carts and specialized trucks that cost over $225,000 each. When the smaller 18 gallon bins were in use, we asked you, the customer, to sort your recyclables in the bin before we picked them up. Now with our new system, you no longer have to spend your time sorting items. Just mix them all together. Although this is much more convenient for you, it actually increases our costs. Republic now must spend additional time sorting and processing the recyclable materials at our material recovery facility.
What do you accept for commerical singstream recycling?
Acceptable Shrink wrap and plastic film (completely fill clear plastic bag and tie off) All paper grades–If you can Rip it, Recycle it!!! Newspaper and inserts-loose in cart Magazines and Phone books Soft cover books Office Papers, white and colored Cardboard Boxboard Brown paper bags Aluminum cans and Foil Tin and steel cans (please rinse and put lids in cans) Glass jars and bottles (please rinse–labels are ok) All plastic marked 1-7 (must be empty) Unacceptable Styrofoam Ceramics Light bulbs Window glass Mirrors Food-soiled paper Plastic flower pots Clear dome covers from take-out food trays Microwaveable food trays No wax paper, wax cardboard or wax milk cartons
What do you accept for residential curbside recycling?
Acceptable Plastic bags (yes, believe it or not!) Newspaper delivery bags (yes again!) Newspaper and inserts – loose in cart Magazines and phone books Soft cover books Office and school papers Cardboard Boxboard (cereal, cake & cracker boxes) Brown paper bags Aluminum cans and foil Tin and steel cans (please rinse and put lids in cans ) Glass jars and bottles (please rinse – labels are ok ) All plastic marked 1-7 (must be empty ) Unacceptable Styrofoam Ceramics Light bulbs Window glass Mirrors Food-soiled paper Plastic flower pots Clear dome covers from take-out food trays Microwaveable food trays No wax paper, wax cardboard or wax milk cartons Prepare your recycle materials properly Cans-rinse clean Newspapers-place in paper bag or bundle Flatten plastic milk and soda pop bottles to save space in your container.
What happens when my service day falls on a holiday?
As a general rule, holidays push our pickup schedules back one day. For example, if a holiday falls on a Monday, Monday's routes will be run on Tuesday, Tuesday's routes on Wednesday, and so forth through Saturday.
What if we have extra bags?
Please call our office 24 hours in advance to advise us of the extra trash. There will be a charge of 50 cents per bag. If you are in the city of Greenwood you can go to the sanitation department to purchase stickers.
What is your holiday schedule?
We observe New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For the City of Indianapolis only, we also observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Click here to download our 2012 calendar for easy reference to our holiday observance schedule.
What should I do if I forget my automated recycle pickup day since it is serviced every other week?
Our automated recycling pick up schedule is based on odd or even weeks of the month. Please open up our calendar to view the schedule. If you do not remember if your pickup week was odd or even, click here to send us an email or call our customer service department at (317) 917-7300 ext. 0 for assistance. Click here for the 2012 recycling calendar.
What time does the trash have to be out at the curb?
All refuse must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day.
When will you pick up my bagged leaves?
Republic Services will pick up leaves October 24-December 2, 2011 for individual subscription accounts. If you are in a city or town where you pay for your trash service through your taxes, please contact your city or town for leaf removal instructions. When the dates for 2012 are known, this section will be updated.
Why are you automating some recycling routes?
The main reason, in our mind, is our employees. Waste and Recycling is one of the top five most dangerous jobs in America today. Because of the physical nature of our business, hopping in and out of a truck all day, bending, twisting and lifting, our drivers suffer injuries all of the time. By going to an automated system, we are investing in and extending the working life of our employees. That is also good news for you. By not having to continually replace your driver with someone not as familiar with your stop, you will see and increased consistency and better all around service.
Will you pick up my leaves on the same day as my trash?
In most cases yes. If you are within the 10 bag limit everything will be picked up on the same day as your trash. If you are over the limit, please send us an email or call at (800) 234-6881 ext. 0 to arrange pickup. You will be charged $.50 per bag for any bags over the weekly 10 bag limit.