Mayor Hogsett Expands Partnership That Will Clean Up Neighborhoods and Break Down Barriers to Employment for Individuals Reentering the Workforce

In 2019, City departments will collaborate with the RecycleForce and Keys To Work programs to combat illegal dumping.

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Mayor Joe Hogsett joined community leaders and officials from the Departments of Public Works (DPW) and Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) to highlight an expanded initiative that will both strengthen a commitment to cleaner, healthier neighborhoods as well as provide training and job opportunities for those reentering the workforce in 2019.  The initiative expands existing partnerships with RecycleForce and Keys To Work, organizations that provide training and supportive services to help break down barriers to employment and develop the Indianapolis workforce.

“When men and women return to their lives after incarceration, they need options, not obstacles.  They need realistic ways to earn a living,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “And so today, we shine the light on a partnership with Keys To Work and RecycleForce that provides critical services for our neighborhoods, and critical opportunities for those returning to our community.”

DPW’s partnership with RecycleForce ensures the safe processing of electronics collected through the ToxDrop electronics recycling program. In 2018, RecycleForce processed 168 tons of electronics collected by DPW through the ToxDrop program.

DPW also employs Keys To Work staff for sanitation and cleaning crews to assist with illegal dumping clean ups and regular solid waste collection routes. In 2018, DPW’s operations team employed Keys To Work staff to close out a backlog of nearly 3,000 resident-reported cases of illegal dumping in alleys, medians, roadways, and greenways.

Additionally, since January, the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS), has conducted cleanups in neighborhoods including Old Southside, Twin-Aire, and Crown Hill. With the help of DPW, the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD), Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB), Marion County Community Correction’s Duvall Residential Center and numerous neighborhood groups, more than 159 tons of trash were removed from Indianapolis neighborhoods.

BNS also utilized new technology to advance enforcement efforts and crack down on illegal dumping. With the help of DPW, the department placed a camera in areas known as illegal dumping hot spots. The camera enabled BNS to collect photos that helped in the successful prosecution of four illegal dumping cases.

The City of Indianapolis, DPW and BNS have valued the relationships built with community service providers, offering training and opportunities for men and women looking to reenter the workforce. With renewed partnerships for 2019 with RecycleForce and Keys to Work, city agencies will work to expand services for Indianapolis neighborhoods.
 
To report trash or illegal dumping, contact the Mayor’s Action Center (MAC) at 317-327-4MAC (4622), online at RequestIndy (www.indy.gov/requestindy), or download the RequestIndy Mobile App.