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April 2, 2026
Dear West Lafayette Neighbors,
Beginning June 2026, the West Lafayette Street and Sanitation Department will transition from a three-day to a five-day curbside collection schedule for trash, recycling, and yard waste.
This means your trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup days may change.
Why This Change Is Happening and What It Means To You
The regional transfer station on North 9th Street is relocating. As a result, City trucks must now travel significantly farther to unload materials. This added travel time reduces how much each truck can collect in a day.
Without adjusting our routes, residents could experience:
- Delayed or inconsistent pickup times
- Increased service disruptions
- Higher operating costs that could impact future services
To avoid these issues, we are moving to a five-day schedule. This allows us to shorten routes, keep collections on time, and maintain dependable service across the City.
In short, this change helps ensure your trash, recycling, and yard waste are picked up reliably, even as our community grows and service demands increase.
How We're Preparing
To make this transition as smooth as possible, the Street and Sanitation Department is implementing new route optimization software to design and test efficient routes.
Here’s what to expect:
- Collection days will shift to Monday–Friday for trash, recycling, and yard waste.
- Some residents will be assigned a new collection day.
- Spring and fall leaf collections remain unchanged.
- Trucks will not return to pick up items placed at the curb after 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
Updated pickup days, route maps, and collection calendars will be available in early May 2026, once final route testing is complete.
We will also share updated holiday schedules at that time.
What to Expect During the Transition
As we roll out new routes in June, there may be a brief adjustment period.
If your pickup is missed during this time, the City will provide a drop-off option at the Street and Sanitation facility for residents who receive City trash service. Details, including location and hours, will be shared in advance.
To help ensure a smooth transition:
- Please place items at the curb before 7:00 a.m.
- Collection trucks will follow set routes and will not be able to return for late set-outs
Our goal is to keep service consistent and reliable as we make this change.
Staying Informed
We’ll share updates and instructions through:
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Email and text alerts
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City website updates: https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/
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Social media posts on Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram
You can also speak with Street and Sanitation staff:
📞 765.775.5242
- Office hours are M-F from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
📍 In-Person at the West Lafayette Farmers Market: May 13, 3:30-7 p.m.
- Street and Sanitation Department leadership will be available during the event to answer questions and provide updates.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make this transition. We know that changes to routine can be challenging, and we’re committed to keeping your service dependable while minimizing the financial impact on both the City and our residents.
The West Lafayette Communications Department
Spring Leaf Collection
Spring curbside leaf collection begins next week for West Lafayette.
From April 6 to April 29, the Street and Sanitation Department will collect loose leaves at the curb during the designated spring leaf collection weeks.
Below are a few collection reminders.
DO:
- Place leaves loose at the curb (do NOT bag them) between 4/6/26 and 4/29/26
- Ensure tree branches are trimmed to at least 8 feet above sidewalks and 15 feet above streets to allow clear access for sanitation trucks
- Pile leaves neatly near the curb for easier collection
- Maintain a 12-inch gap between leaf piles and the curb to ensure proper water flow to the storm drains. Never place piles on storm drains.
DON’T:
- Use paper bags or toters except on your yard waste collection day (plastic bags will not be collected)
- Leave piles blocking sidewalks or roadways
- Mix in sticks, trash, or other debris with leaf piles
- Place out contractor debris
We invite all residents to review the Leaf Collection page on our website: www.westlafayette.in.gov/services/waste-and-removal/leaf-collection
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222 N Chauncey Ave | West Lafayette, IN 47906 | (765) 775-5100 | westlafayette.in.gov
  
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