MENU
Press Release
For Immediate Release
City of Gary Launches New Recycling Drop-Off Program
Gary, IN – Beginning February 1, 2025, the City of Gary will introduce a new recycling program designed to optimize waste management services in the community. This program, which will be offered at no cost to residents, will provide designated drop-off locations throughout the city for recyclables.
"The City of Gary remains committed to sustainability and providing an effective recycling program for our community," said Ragen Hatcher, Executive Director of the Gary Sanitary District. "However, the rising costs of home recycling pick-up have made it increasingly difficult to maintain this service as it currently stands. For over a decade, the Gary Sanitary District has subsidized garbage and recycling services for around 22,000 households, but only about 2,400 households have actively participated in the recycling program. After careful evaluation, we have decided to transition to a drop-off recycling model, which has already proven successful in many neighboring communities."
The drop off program and recycling containers will be managed by the City of Gary’s Public Works Department.
“By collaborating with the City of Gary’s Public Works department, we can continue to offer quality service to our residents while ensuring efficient and responsible use of our funds,” stated Hatcher.
Residents will have access to four conveniently located recycling drop-off sites across the city. These sites will accept clean, recyclable materials, limited to paper, cardboard, and clean, plastic water bottles. The City of Gary consulted with officials in multiple neighboring municipalities before making the decision to transition to a drop-off recycling model.
" I would like to thank Mayor Austin Bonta of Portage and members of his Recycling team for consulting with us on the benefits of making this switch, " said Chief Operating Officer Michael Suggs. "The drop-off process will allow for better quality control of recycled materials. By reducing contamination, we can increase the success rate of recycling, minimize spoiled loads, and improve overall efficiency in our operations."
The city is taking steps to ensure the new drop-off recycling sites are clean, secure, and safe places for recycling. The following drop-off sites in Gary will have receptacles for recycling starting February 1, 2025:
Residents can recycle cardboard boxes (folded), paperboard (such as cereal and food boxes), paper (newspapers, magazines, junk mail), and clean plastic.
"We understand that change can be challenging, but this decision ensures that our recycling efforts remain both environmentally and financially sustainable. We appreciate the support of our community as we implement this new model, which reflects our shared commitment to a greener Gary,” added Hatcher.
For any questions or additional information, residents may visit the City of Gary Public Works Department website at https://www.gary.gov/recycling, email recycling@gary.gov or call (219) 881-1310.
Media Contact:
Ragen Hatcher, Gary Sanitary District
em: rhatcher@garysan.com
Erika Blackwell, City of Gary
