Indianapolis Launches Recycle Coach App
The free app helps residents sort recycling, track collections and report missed pickups ahead of universal curbside recycling in 2028.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Utilities
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The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability has launched the Recycle Coach app, available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play. The launch coincides with America Recycles Day on Sunday, Nov. 15.
Why it matters
The app is designed for residents receiving curbside trash or recycling service and those using community drop-off and ToxDrop sites in Marion County. It aims to make Indianapolis residents more confident recyclers and reduce waste.
A $625,000 grant from The Recycling Partnership will fund development and testing of the app's messaging in early 2027. The source does not report user targets or how the grant amount compares with the program's total cost.
The players
Indianapolis Office of Sustainability
The city office responsible for environmental programs in Indianapolis, which launched the Recycle Coach app.
The Recycling Partnership
A national nonprofit that works with communities and industry to improve recycling systems, and which provided the $625,000 grant for the app.
The details
The app includes a "What Goes Where?" search tool with local disposal information and collection requirements, custom curbside collection and events calendars, and collection reminders with real-time service-disruption alerts. It also offers weekly "We Wanted to Know" recycling quizzes and a geolocated tool for reporting problems such as missed collections.
Timeline
Early 2027: Grant-funded development and testing of app messaging begins.
Sunday, Nov. 15: The app launches to coincide with America Recycles Day.
2028: Universal curbside recycling launches in Indianapolis.
Utilities Outlook
The app arrives before Indianapolis's universal curbside recycling program begins in 2028, when many families will recycle at home for the first time. It positions the city to prepare residents for a system-wide change in household waste collection.
Residents with curbside trash or recycling service can use the app to get collection reminders, check what goes in which bin, and report missed pickups. Households preparing for curbside recycling in 2028 can use the sorting tool and quizzes now to build habits before the program starts.
The takeaway
Downloading the free Recycle Coach app now lets residents practice sorting and build recycling habits before universal curbside pickup begins in 2028.
What happens next
Universal curbside recycling launches in Indianapolis in 2028, and grant-funded app messaging development and testing is scheduled for early 2027.
Further reading
Explore more local waste and service coverage in Indianapolis Utilities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wthr.
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