FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What do I do about trash pick-up on holidays and which holidays does the city
observe?
A: On holidays that fall on Monday- Thursday, your pick up will be delayed one day. If a holiday falls on a Friday, pick up will happen on Thursday instead. Click here for a schedule of holidays observed by the city.

Q: What and When are "Holiday Cleanouts"?
A: Holiday Cleanouts are opportunities in which you may place out extra trash on your designated day-at no charge. Cleanouts occur the week following observed holidays, with an additional "Spring Cleanout" scheduled following Easter Sunday. Extra trash should be placed at least 3 feet away from your trash toter. Click here for a Cleanout Week schedule.

Q: What is City property and what is my responsibility?
A: The public Right of Way is any section of property set aside for use by the public. This includes the road, curb, utilities, sidewalk, mailboxes, trees, and parkway. Nothing may be installed, dug, cut, removed, or placed in the City Right of Way without a permit from the City of Valparaiso's Engineering Office.

Q: What is an easement?
A: An easement is a section of property set aside for a utility or access. An easement still belongs to the owners whose property includes the easement.

Q: How do I get my sidewalk repaired?
A: The city is aware of the need for sidewalk upgrades and is currently working to find the funding necessary for a comprehensive sidewalk repair program. At this time, Public Works can begin by working with homeowners to assess sidewalks and place decaying sidewalks on a repair list. Should a homeowner want to have a sidewalk repaired sooner than the list allows, the city will provide the labor for demolition and disposal of the old sidewalk, and assist the homeowner in receiving preferred pricing for the concrete material itself. To learn more, click here to visit the "Sidewalk Replacement" page of our web site.

Q: If I have a tree that needs to be trimmed or removed, who do I call?
A: If your tree is between the sidewalk and the street, it is likely a city tree. Trees on the city's right of way are maintained by the city and should not be trimmed by individuals or outside contractors. If you are unsure about ownership of a tree or see that a city-owned tree needs attention, contact us at 462-4612 or by e-mail at publicworks@valpo.us.

Q: Who do I contact when a street light is out?
A: Street lights are NIPSCO's responsibility. Please report any street light outages at the following link: http://www.nipsco.com/StreetlightRepair.aspx#

Q: If I live outside city limits, whom do I call for street and road information?
A: Porter County Highway Department maintains public roads in the county. They can be
reached at 219-465-3570.

Q: Does Public Works take contractor/landscaper debris?
A: The city does not accept contractor/landscaper debris. If a contractor is hired for any work, it is their responsibility to remove any waste generated within city limits.

Q: Does Public Works take leaves, branches, and grass?
A: Valparaiso Public Works provides residents with curbside brush and yard waste collection, but does not accept grass. Click here to learn about brush and yard waste collection. Grass clippings may be taken to the county's Recycling and Waste Reduction District Boone Grove site only. For hours and directions, call 465-3694 or visit their website at www.itmeanstheworld.org.

Q: When should I set out my trash and recyclables?
A: Items should be at the curb by 7:00 am on the morning of pick-up, although municipal code allows for items to be placed at the curb the evening before your pick up. If a contractor is hired for any work, it is their responsibility to remove any waste generated within city limits. CLICK HERE for a city map showing garbage and recycling pick-up days and locations. City code also stipulates that empty cans be returned to storage by 7 :00 pm on day of pickup.

Q: Does the city take demolition/construction debris generated by a homeowner or
resident?
A: The city accepts minor amounts of demolition/construction debris generated by a homeowner or resident, but cannot accept debris generated by a contractor. The limit for resident-generated debris is about one cubic yard (about a pick-up truck load). Beyond this limit, the following applies:1) A fee of $15 per cubic yard up to 12 cubic yards ; 2) Households with more than 12 cubic yards of debris are required to utilize a dumpster or make separate arrangements for disposal. (The City does not supply
Dumpsters. )