Utilities guide

What am I responsible for?
In a house, you are usually responsible for setting up all utilities including gas, electric and water. For an apartment, all utilities except the electric bill are generally included in the month’s rent.

Safety tips
Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors to keep your residence’s levels safe. If you suspect poisoning, contact the Bloomington Fire Department at 812-332-9763.

When leaving your residence for extended periods of time, check with your landlord about policies regarding setting the thermostat, opening cupboards to increase air flow around water pipes or opening or closing blinds for energy conservation.

Locate circuit breakers and fuse boxes before a power outage happens so you know exactly where to look. Keep a flashlight stocked with working batteries in an easy-to-reach place.

Prevent circuit overload by purchasing a power strip or surge protector from which you can easily unplug electronics or completely
turn off.

Trash collection
Curbside trash collection occurs once a week, and recycling collection occurs biweekly. Check online at bloomington.in.gov for your specific pickup day.

Set your bins out the night before because collection crews start their shifts as early as 5 a.m.

Trash stickers are $2 per bin and must be attached each week for pickup. They can be purchased at all Kroger, Marsh and Bloomingfoods locations, as well as some Bloomington municipal buildings.

If the Sanitation Department finds an issue with your trash or recycling, you might find a non-collection notice explaining why your waste wasn’t taken, which could result in a fine of up to $50.

Important contacts
Electric – Duke Energy
1-800-521-2232
duke-energy.com

Water – City of Bloomington Utilities Department
812-349-3930
bloomington.in.gov

Gas – Vectren Corporation
1-800-227-1376
vectren.com