City guide · Indiana
Fort Wayne Trash Pickup Schedule
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Fort Wayne's curbside service is run by GFL Environmental under contract with the city, and about 25% of customers got a new collection day when routes were reshuffled starting December 2024 - worth double-checking even if you think you already know your day.
Here's how the weekly and biweekly streams line up, what you're actually paying for, and which 7 holidays shift the calendar.
How often is trash picked up in Fort Wayne?
Garbage is collected weekly, and single-stream recycling (yellow-lid cart) every other week on an A or B week rotation, both on a day set by your address.
| Stream | Frequency | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Garbage | Weekly | City-issued cart |
| Recycling | Every other week (A/B) | Yellow-lid cart |
Find your exact pickup day
Since roughly a quarter of Fort Wayne customers changed days starting December 2024, confirm yours directly rather than assuming it hasn't moved:
Look up your Fort Wayne collection day →
Or call 311 (260-427-8311).
Bin placement rules
- Set carts out no sooner than noon the day before collection
- Have carts at the curb by 6 a.m. on your pickup day
- Keep garbage bagged and contained
Fort Wayne Trash Holiday Schedule
Garbage and recycling collection runs a day behind for the remainder of the week when one of 7 observed holidays falls during it.
| Holiday | 2026 date | Affects pickup? |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, Jan 1 | Yes - runs one day behind |
| MLK Jr. Day | Mon, Jan 19 | Yes - runs one day behind |
| Memorial Day | Mon, May 25 | Yes - runs one day behind |
| Juneteenth | Fri, Jun 19 | Yes - runs one day behind |
| Labor Day | Mon, Sep 7 | Yes - runs one day behind |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu, Nov 26 | Yes - runs one day behind |
| Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25 | Yes - runs one day behind |
Independence Day is not on the city's list of holidays that delay collection.
Cart costs
Single-family households pay $22.81 a month for standard service. Multi-family units pay $45.62 a month, which includes 2 garbage carts as the standard allotment instead of 1. An extra cart beyond your standard allotment costs $4 a month.
Bulk item pickup
Schedule a bulk item pickup through 311 (website, app, or phone) at least 2 business days ahead - for example, book by Monday for a Wednesday pickup. Place items at least 3 feet from your garbage cart so the truck's arm doesn't get caught.
Furniture, mattresses and box springs (fully wrapped in plastic), and non-freon appliances are accepted. Tires, batteries, concrete, and freon-containing appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners are not.
Reporting illegal dumping
Report illegal dumping or other issues by calling 311 (260-427-8311) or using the 311 online portal at fortwayne.thesmartcity311.com.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fort Wayne trash pickup schedule?
How much does trash service cost in Fort Wayne?
Is bulk item pickup free in Fort Wayne?
Does a holiday delay trash pickup in Fort Wayne?
How do I find my exact collection day in Fort Wayne?
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City contact & resources
City of Fort Wayne Solid Waste (GFL Environmental)
Bookmark this Fort Wayne trash pickup schedule and check back whenever a holiday shifts Fort Wayne's collection calendar.
Need more than curbside pickup? Compare local bulk & junk removal quotes. Browse all Indiana cities or the full state directory.