City of Mishawaka Solid Waste Management Transition Q&A

City of Mishawaka Solid Waste Management Transition Q&A
What Mishawaka Residents Need to Know About the Switch from Republic Services to Waste Management (WM)
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1. What is happening with the trash and recycling services in Mishawaka?
The City of Mishawaka is transitioning from Republic Services to Waste Management (WM) for trash and recycling collection. This change takes effect on January 1, 2025.
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2. Why is the city switching to WM?
The contract with Republic Services expires at the end of 2024. The City of Mishawaka held a competitive public bidding process to find the best and most economical provider for our community. WM submitted the lowest and most responsive bid, offering reliable service and new features that will benefit residents.
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3. When will I get my new WM bins?
WM has already started delivering 96-gallon trash and recycling bins to all residents. Delivery will continue until December 20, 2024. Inside one of the new WM bins will be an informational flyer with instructions. Initially, the lid on the WM bins may not close completely because of the way in which they were delivered. We have been assured that the plastic lids will settle and close but that may take a few days.
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4. Can I start using my WM bins right away?
No, please do not use the WM bins until January 2, 2025. Until then, continue using your Republic bins for trash and recycling.
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5. What is the new cost for Waste Management (WM) trash and recycling services?
The cost for residential services is $21.69 and for residential senior (age 65 and over) the rate is $17.55. Your trash and recycling services will be billed through the Mishawaka Utilities Business office. If you are already signed up for the senior rate, that senior rate will continue. If you have recently turned 65 and want to sign up for the senior rate, please call the Mishawaka Utilities business office at (574) 258-1630.

6. What should I do with my Republic bins?
After your last Republic Services last trash and recycling pickup during the last week in December 2024, please leave your Republic bins at the curb. Republic Services will collect them.
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7. What if I don’t have enough space for both sets of bins during the transition?
If space is tight, store the WM bins in the most convenient spot possible until January. Once Republic Services collects its bins, you’ll have space for the WM bins.
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8. What if I need a smaller or extra WM bin?
WM offers smaller 64-gallon bins or additional bins upon request. However, the cost will be the same. Contact WM at their customer service number (866) 797-9018 which is also in an informational flyer provided with your bins. Please wait until January 1st, 2025 to request a smaller 64-gallon bin. A dedicated WM website for Mishawaka residents is in development and will be rolled out soon: home.wm/mishawaka-in
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9. What items can I place outside the bin?
Just like before, as necessary, you can put a bag weighing up to 40 pounds next to your bin for pickup. However, please do all that you can to use the trash and recycling bins for all of your solid waste. If you find that the 2 bins do not meet your needs, you can contact WM for an extra bin for a nominal, additional charge.
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10. How do I report a missed pickup or other issues?
WM will provide a call center (866) 797-9018 and an online portal to handle any service concerns. More details for contacting them will be shared soon. If you have any questions, during the transition you can also call Mishawaka Utilities Business office at (574) 258-1630.

11. Is trash and recycling service mandatory? Can I opt out?
No. The City of Mishawaka Trash and recycling service is mandatory for all residents to ensure neighborhoods stay clean and healthy. It also keeps costs down and prevents streets from becoming cluttered with multiple trash haulers.
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12. Will there be any changes to my pickup day?
For now, your pickup day will stay the same. If there are any changes, we’ll let you know well in advance.

13. Can a Mishawaka Solid waste customer leave bulky Waste (furniture, appliances for collection each week?) Yes, Mishawaka Solid Waste customers can leave bulky waste, such as furniture and appliances, for collection each week. Waste Management (WM) will collect up to two large items per residential dwelling unit on the same day as regular refuse collection. These items must be placed at the curb for pickup.

Examples of acceptable bulky waste include:

• Washers, dryers, and hot water heaters
• Furniture (e.g., couches, chairs, tables)
• Oversized household appliances or furnishings, including refrigerators and freezers (Freon has to be taken out, evacuated by a professional before leaving it at the curb)

Please note that collection is limited to curbside only. Make sure to follow these guidelines for a smooth collection process.

14. What is the benefit of switching to WM?
WM brings:
• New, durable trash and recycling bins.
• Improved customer service with a call center and online tools.
• Advanced technology to enhance service reliability.
• A commitment to sustainability and efficient waste management.
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14. What is the City doing to ensure a smooth transition?
The City is working closely with WM to make this process as seamless as possible. WM is training its teams on Mishawaka routes, and both the City and WM are here to answer any questions residents have during this transition.
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15. What should I do if I have questions or concerns?
Contact Mishawaka Utilities at (574) 258-1630 or WM Customer Care Center at (866) 797-9018 and also keep an eye on the City’s website and social media for updates.

16. What if I don’t receive my WM bins by December 20, 2024?
If your bins haven’t arrived by December 20, please contact Mishawaka Utilities Business Office at (574) 258-1630 or WM directly so we can ensure they’re delivered promptly. WM Customer Care Center at (866) 797-9018. The contract with WM does not officially start until January 1, 2025.
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We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this transition. This change is a step forward for our community, ensuring that Mishawaka remains clean, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Thank you for helping us make this transition successful!