Starting in March 2026, Waterloo Region will implement a cart-based waste collection system for garbage and organics — replacing manual collection for approximately 161,000 single-family homes, duplexes, 3-to-6-unit buildings, and 8,500 multi-family units and townhouse complexes.

While residents in most apartment and condominium buildings who have private waste management collection will not be affected by these changes, this new program will mean new waste collection procedures for many Waterloo Region residents.

What are the Changes to Waterloo Region’s Waste Collection?

• Carts Distribution: Residents will receive one free black cart (large or an optional smaller size) for garbage, one green cart for organics, and one food scraps container by March 2026.
  • Cart distribution is expected to begin in the fall of 2025
  • Large black carts hold approximately three bags of garbage (240 L or up to 90.7 kg), while small carts hold one bag (120 L or up to 45.4 kg)
  • If your residence prefers the smaller black cart, you must complete the request form on the Region’s website by September 5, 2025: Select Your Cart
• Automated Collection: Instead of workers collecting waste by hand, trucks with mechanical arms will lift and empty carts — improving worker safety, operational efficiency, and reducing litter.
• Schedule Changes: Starting March 2026, collection will shift to a four-day week (Tuesday to Friday) to avoid most statutory holidays, improve route efficiency, and allow for a make-up day if needed. If your regular waste collection day is Monday, expect to be notified of the change closer to March 2026.
• Storage and Maintenance: Residents will need to store their carts on their property, label them with their address on the white space on each side of the cart, and keep them clean. Green carts will have pest-resistant locks. Note that carts cannot be sored on public boulevards, bike lanes, or on the road.
• Double Garbage Days End: The program ends in March 2026. Any garbage exceeding the cart limit will be handled under the existing Garbage bag tags program.

It’s important to note that there are no changes to blue box recycling program: Blue box recycling, managed by Circular Materials, and bulky item/yard waste collection will remain unchanged.

With these new and improved waste collection carts on the way, it begs the question:

What should Residents do with their old Garbage Bins?

Residents are encouraged to reuse their garbage bins as yard waste containers, or for storage.

If you do not want your garbage can, secure a sign on the can that says: “Garbage Please Take” and place out for bulky item collection on your collection day after launch of the new collection program in March 2026.

For green bins, residents are welcome to keep their old green bin and re-use them as storage for soil, mulch, or winter salt. Alternatively, there will be a drop-off location for unwanted green bins after March 2026. More information on that program will be announced later.

Additional Curbside Collection Information

For more information, including Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Engage Waterloo Region website at https://www.engagewr.ca/carts

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