Black and green carts are being delivered free of charge to residential properties. Delivery started in the fall of 2025 and is expected to run until the end of February 2026.

Information kits will be provided with the carts and include instructions and tips on cart usage.

Carts are assigned to each address, so do not move carts from one location to another.

• To deliver almost 400,000 carts across Waterloo Region, deliveries needed to start in the fall to ensure all carts are in place for the start of cart-based collection service in March 2026.

• Delivery dates of carts will vary across the Region, according to operational needs. Cart deliveries are planned to begin in township areas first, followed by deliveries in the cities.
  
• Delivery zones will be posted on regionofwaterloo.ca/carts and EngageWR.ca/carts throughout the cart rollout for public awareness.

Some lids may need a little time to settle before they sit flush with the rest of the cart.

If it’s still not closing properly after three weeks of receiving your cart, please email us at carts@regionofwaterloo.ca.

You can also fill out an inquiry form or call the Service First Contact Centre at 519-575-4400.

Carts are equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to assign the carts to the correct address. They help confirm that you’ve received waste collection and assist in locating lost carts so they can be returned to the right address.

If there are items missing from your cart set, please visit regionofwaterloo.ca/carts to fill out an inquiry form or call the Service First Contact Centre at 519-575-4400. '

All cart sets come with an information kit and food scraps container.

Carts cannot be used until cart-based collection begins in March 2026 and will need to be stored until the start of service.

Carts can be stored in the same place residents currently store their waste – in the garage, backyard, in a shed or against the side of their house or fence.

Check your local municipal property standard by-laws before storing your carts outside.

Once your carts arrive, please:

• Move carts from the curb and store them until collection begins in March 2026.
  
• Write your address on the side of each cart in the space provided with a permanent marker.
  
• Remove and review the information kit attached to the black garbage cart before March 2026.

The black cart size selection website closed on Sept. 5, 2025.

While we reviewed cart size selection requests that came in after that deadline, Waste Management staff cannot process any further requests.

All requests received by Friday, Sept. 12 have been finalized and submitted.

Residents are asked to use the black cart they receive for about six months.

If, after that time, you want to size up or down, you can request a one-time exchange, at no cost, starting in fall 2026.

Each registered unit will receive one garbage cart. Two green carts will be shared between the 3-6 units. Additional green carts can be requested up to the number of units.

If you are a tenant in a 2–6 unit property that receives Regional waste collection, only the property owner can order the number and size of carts required.

If you live in an apartment/condo building or housing complex that does not currently receive Regional waste collection, you’ll continue with your current waste management services.

The Region's change to cart-based collection is only for properties that receive Region waste services.

As of March 2024, the Region of Waterloo no longer provides residential blue box recycling.

Under the province’s new framework, Circular Materials has taken over the financial and operational responsibility for the residential blue box program, making producers fully accountable for the end-of-life management of blue box materials.

Residential recycling will continue in our community through Circular Materials and remains an important service to reduce waste at our landfill.

Circular Materials is not involved in the Region’s transition to residential cart-based collection for garbage and organics.

When cart-based collection begins in March 2026, you will continue to use blue boxes.

Some changes to Circular Material's recycling program are coming next year. For details and updates, please visit Circular Materials – Waterloo Region.

You can also email Circular Materials at customerservice@circularmaterials.ca, or call 1-877-667-2626.

Residents who produce one bag of garbage or less every two weeks, or who have limited storage space, may prefer the small black garbage cart.

Cart selection was available until Sept. 5, 2025, and residents will be able to size up or size down in the fall of 2026 at no charge six months after launch.

Please note: the large black cart is the default option for garbage collection. Green organics carts are only available in one standard size and do not require selection. There are no fees or property tax impacts for the cart size chosen for your household.

If you do not receive your carts by March 2026, please contact the Waste Management team at carts@regionofwaterloo.ca. Please include your name and property address in the email.

Please store the carts on your property and do NOT use the carts until collection starts the week of March 2, 2026.

• Write your property address on the white space on the side of each cart with a permanent marker.
• Do NOT exchange your carts with anyone. Carts belong to the Region of Waterloo, and have been given unique IDs for the properties to which they are assigned.

Curbside audits show over 46 per cent of curbside garbage is organic waste that could be diverted from our landfill.

The new green cart has more capacity than the old green bin, as the Region would like to see increased use and less food/organic waste in the garbage.

As such, delivery of the green cart is mandatory for any property receiving Region waste collection services.

The carts will be delivered as sets (organics and garbage) – belonging to the Region and specifically assigned to your property.

Although one property owner may not use the cart, a subsequent owner may wish to use it.

Developers/builders must contact carts@regionofwaterloo.ca for new subdivisions that are not yet receiving the Region of Waterloo’s waste collection service. Before the Region starts service, the development must be inspected and approved for collection. The property owners will then receive notification from the developer on when collection will begin and how they can request carts.

Each registered dwelling will receive one green cart. Additional carts are not available at this time.

Each registered dwelling (or unit) will receive one black cart. Additional carts are not available at this time. If you have excess garbage, please use the bag tag program.

Currently, workers collect waste by hand, which is physically demanding and leads to injuries such as back strains, slips, trips, falls, and cuts.

Using carts and trucks with mechanical arms to collect the waste is safer for workers and has become the standard way of collecting waste in many municipalities.

There are ongoing and evolving changes to the waste industry with major challenges around staff recruitment and retention for manual waste collection.

Specifically, challenges exist due to:

• a limited labour pool as the work requires extensive physical labour
• working in adverse conditions due to nuisances, weather, type of work, and negative perceptions
• health and safety risks with on-going lifting of heavy waste materials, and slips, trips and falls from exiting and entering a truck

Based on industry research, it would be and was difficult to receive competitive bids from service providers to continue to provide manual waste collection for garbage and organics.

Many municipalities across Ontario have transitioned from manual to cart-based collection. Some examples include:

• City of Guelph
• City of Toronto
• Peel Region
• Simcoe County
• City of Barrie
• Halton Region
• City of Kingston

• Improves worker safety: Reduces the risk of injury by minimizing manual lifting and handling.
• Enhances efficiency: Speeds up collection, allowing for more consistent and timely service.
• Promotes cleanliness: Carts securely contain waste, helping to prevent litter and deter pests.
• Supports workforce stability: Modern equipment and improved working conditions help attract and retain collection staff.

The waste collection contract is estimated at $285 million over eight years, equivalent to $4 per week per household.

The cart collection trucks will typically have one operator, although two may be used depending on operational needs.

By changing to cart-based collection, we are making waste collection jobs more attractive, expanding the labour pool and increasing the ability to retain staff long-term.

The large black cart has a capacity of 240 litres, and a weight limit of 200 pounds, which is higher than the current weight limit of 150 pounds.

Additionally, with the introduction of carts in March 2026, bag/garbage container limits will no longer apply.

You will be able to fill your carts up to the maximum weight capacity, but please ensure the lids are fully closed for collection.

We encourage households to use their blue boxes and green bins to sort properly and divert waste from the landfill.

If you have excess garbage, you’ll have to use the garbage bag tag program.

Free bag tags were not part of the implementation plan approved by Region council.

However, any tags you currently have do not expire, and you’re able to use them when you need.

We’re moving to a four-day waste collection schedule.

Starting March 2, 2026, collection will take place Tuesday to Friday each week. This avoids most holiday pick-up days and gives flexibility by having a make-up day, if collections are delayed or cancelled due to extreme weather.

If your collection day is currently Monday, it will change. Other areas may also see changes as routes are updated for efficiency. There are no changes to the frequency of collection.

An updated waste calendar will be distributed to all homes in February 2026 with the new collection schedule and tips for using the carts.

Remember to keep your 2025 Waste Calendar until March 2026 as it contains January and February collection schedules.

For more information about collection day changes, go to regionofwaterloo.ca/carts for the latest updates, or use the Waste Whiz app.

As of March 2024, the Region of Waterloo no longer provides residential blue box recycling.

Under the province’s new framework, Circular Materials has taken over the financial and operational responsibility for the residential blue box program, making producers fully accountable for the end-of-life management of blue box materials.

Residential recycling will continue in our community through Circular Materials and remains an important service to reduce waste at our landfill.

Circular Materials is not involved in the Region’s transition to residential cart-based collection for garbage and organics.

When cart-based collection begins in March 2026, you will continue to use blue boxes.

Some changes to Circular Material's recycling program are coming next year. For details and updates, please visit Circular Materials – Waterloo Region.

You can also email Circular Materials at customerservice@circularmaterials.ca, or call 1-877-667-2626.

Service levels will remain the same for single-family homes, duplexes, 3-to-6-unit buildings, and multi-family units and townhouses that meet truck-access criteria.

In August of 2024, Regional Council approved the expansion of the tri-city downtown collection service to the full extent of each downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA). These areas will receive Region-administered garbage, organics and recycling service.

For more information about the Downtown Waste Collection Changes, see the related Council Report.

Items such as bulky or large metal items, yard waste and Christmas trees will continue to be collected manually due to the variable quantity of waste and size limit of a cart for large items.

The Region of Waterloo offers an assisted waste collection service for residents who are unable to place their waste containers to the curb due to a temporary or permanent mobility challenge or disability.

As we prepare for the launch of cart-based collection, this service will be reviewed and updated.

Details about the updated Assisted Cart Collection Service will be shared when the update is complete, which is expected in late December of 2025 and early January of 2026.

The Region of Waterloo’s Medical Exemption Program supports residents who regularly generate additional garbage (such as incontinence products, or unrecyclable medical packaging) due to a temporary or permanent medical condition.

Eligible residents receive an annual allotment of garbage bag tags at no cost to use for excess home healthcare waste.

For more information or to apply for our Medical Exemption Program, please visit our website or reach out to the Service First Contact Centre at 519-575-4400.

The existing garbage bag tag program will continue for excess garbage. If you have excess garbage, you must use a garbage tag (placed around the neck of the garbage bag) and place the bags beside the garbage cart. Do not place the bags on top of the cart.

Check out our measurement graphic!

Large black cart: Fits the equivalent of three full bags of garbage.

Measurements:

69 cm (D) x 68 cm (W) x 111 cm (H)

Volume: 240 litres

Weight limit: 200 pounds, or 90.7 kilograms

Small black cart: Fits the equivalent of one full bag of garbage. The small black cart is optional, and can be chosen by residents if they prefer a smaller size.

Measurements:

62 cm (D) x 48 cm (W) x 96 cm (H)

Volume: 120 litres

Weight limit: 100 pounds, or 45.4 kilograms

Green cart: One size only.

Measurements:

62 cm (D) x 48 cm (W) x 98 cm (H)

Volume: 100 litres

Weight limit: 85 pounds, or 38.6 kilograms.

Food scraps container: One size only.

Measurements: 30 cm (D) x 22 cm (W) x 24 cm (H)

Residents can store the carts in the same place they currently store their waste. If residents do not have enough space, they can store their carts in their backyard, in a shed or against the side of their house.

Check your local municipal property standard by-laws before storing your carts outside. The green cart has a pest-resistant lock to reduce issues with pests.

We understand that some properties have limited storage space. The Region of Waterloo will be sharing storage tips as rollout continues.

Carts cannot be stored on public boulevards, bike lanes, or on the road.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to keep the carts clean.

Here are a few helpful tips:

• Using a certified compostable bag or paper bag in your green cart will help eliminate odour and keep your carts clean.
• Rinse out your carts with water, ensure you drain the water on grass or gravel to make sure it does not enter the storm drain.
• Mix one part vinegar and three parts water and rinse your cart out with this mixture to eliminate all odours.

The carts have a 10-year warranty and will be repaired or replaced if damaged from regular use.

More information will be shared about repairs, replacements and maintenance as we get closer to March 2026.

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 in March 2026.

Residents are welcome to keep their green bins and re-use them as storage for soil, mulch, sports equipment, pet food or other household goods.

There will be a drop-off location for unwanted green bins after March 2026. More information on this program will be announced at a later date.

Remember to use your existing green bins and garbage cans until March 2026.

Carts will not be collected until the start of cart-based collection service in March 2026. Households are reminded to continue using their current green bins and garbage containers until cart-based collection begins.

Put your garbage directly into the black cart and place your black cart out on the curb on your regular collection day by 7 a.m.

Garbage bags are not required, but residents can continue to use them if they wish.

Garbage bags are not required, but residents can continue to use them if they wish. Any colour of bag can be used.

With the introduction of carts in March 2026, bag/garbage container limits will no longer apply.

You will be able to fill your carts up to the maximum weight capacity, but please ensure the lids are fully closed for collection.

We encourage households to use their blue boxes and green bins to sort properly and divert waste from the landfill.

Put your organic waste in the green cart and place your cart out on the curb on your regular collection day by 7 a.m.

The material we currently collect in your green bin will be the same material we collect in your green cart starting March 2026.

It is recommended to bag your food waste using certified compostable or paper bags to help keep your cart clean.

However, it is not mandatory to bag your waste. Biodegradable or plastic bags are not allowed in the green cart.

The Region of Waterloo is providing cart dimensions to any retailers who request them.

We recommend checking with your local grocery stores, hardware stores or online retailers for liners as rollout continues.

You can also reach out directly to your favourite store to ask if they plan to stock liners.

Typically, retail stores begin offering these products closer to the launch of a new program.

Smaller kitchen-catcher-sized bags will also be accepted in the green cart, and paper yard waste bags are accepted as well.

Yes, pet waste is acceptable in the green cart, but must be bagged using a certified compostable bag or paper bag before placing in the cart.

The Region encourages and appreciates residents that compost on their own property – that’s a great way to reduce waste!

There are organic materials, however, that still should go in the green cart that are not appropriate for a backyard composter.

This includes materials such as grease and fat, meat, fish and shellfish, dairy products, nuts and shells, cooked food, pet waste and food-soiled paper products.

Carts are tied to the properties they’re delivered to, so if you move, you would leave them behind.

If your new residence receives Region waste collection services, there should be carts already in place.

If the carts at the new property are not the size that works for your household’s needs, you will contact the Region within three months of occupancy for a cart size change.

On collection day, carts must be set out on the curb/mouth of your driveway by 7 a.m. The front of the cart (as marked by arrows on the lids) must be facing the road.

The carts must be at least two feet apart, and there must be at least two feet between the carts and other objects (trees, cars, etc.)

Avoid placing the carts near any obstacles (basketball nets, parked cars, trees, etc.). Do not overstuff the carts and ensure that the lid closes. You do not need to unlock the green cart as the lock will automatically open when it is tipped into the truck.

In the winter, clear out an area on the curb/ mouth of your driveway in front of your property and place the carts there. Do not place the carts on top of or behind snowbanks.

If you have a long driveway, as many of our rural residents do, you may choose to leave your carts near the end of your driveway and transfer your materials to your carts as needed.

Carts are also much easier to roll out to the curb.

Rural communities across Ontario, including Timmins, Sudbury and Simcoe County are already utilizing carts successfully.

As we prepare for the change to cart-based collection, we will be working with our area municipalities about operational logistics, including sharing our collection day schedule to help plan snow clearing.

During winter collection, the best thing you can do is clear out an area at the curb or mouth of your driveway in front of your property and put your carts there.

Do not place the carts on the road, on top of or behind snowbanks.

More information will be shared about repairs, replacements, and maintenance as we get closer to March 2026.

The existing garbage bag tag program will continue for excess garbage. If you have excess garbage, you must use a garbage tag (placed around the neck of the garbage bag) and place the bags beside the garbage cart. Do not place the bags on top of the cart.

Carts must be accessible at the time of collection. To ensure your carts get collected, it is recommended that the carts are placed on the curb/mouth of the driveway.

There will be new trucks that can pick up both black and green carts.

Other kinds of vehicles will also used to pick up different materials, depending on the collection schedule and operational needs.

The Double Garbage Day program is currently under review. More information will be provided before March 2026.