1. Project background

• Why are we switching to cart-based collection?

• 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.

• ​What are the challenges with manual waste collection?

• 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.

• What municipalities are using cart-based collection?

• 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
• ​What are the benefits of using cart-based collection?
• • 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.
• How much will the change to cart-based collection cost?

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

2. What's changing, what's not

• ​Will my collection day change with cart-based collection?

• 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.

  
  

• Will there be a blue cart for recycling?

• The Region of Waterloo is no longer responsible for blue box services as of March 4, 2024. The cart-based collection will only be used for residential garbage and organics. You can find more information about recycling on Circular Materials’ website at https://www.circularmaterials.ca/resident-communities/waterloo-region/

• Who will receive waste collection services?

• 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.

• How will bulky items, yard waste and Christmas trees be collected?

• 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.

• Will the Region continue existing assistance programs for waste pickup?

• The Region will continue the existing medical exemption program and the assisted collection service for residents living with temporary or long-term medical or mobility challenges.

  For more information on the medical exemption program, please visit our website. For information on the assisted collection service, email carts@regionofwaterloo.ca

• Where will residents be able to purchase extra bag tags if their waste exceeds the carts?

• 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.

3. Cart selection and delivery

• When and how will the carts be delivered to residents?

• Black and green carts will be delivered free of charge to residential properties between the fall of 2025 and March 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.

• ​I am a property owner with a 3-6 unit building, how many carts will be delivered?

• 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.

• I live in an apartment building, do I get carts?

• 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.

  
  

• ​Will I be receiving a recycling cart?

• The Region of Waterloo is no longer responsible for blue box services as of March 4, 2024. The cart-based collection will only be used for residential garbage and organics. You can find more information about recycling on Circular Materials’ website at https://www.circularmaterials.ca/resident-communities/waterloo-region/

• What if I don’t need a big black garbage cart? I only produce a small amount of waste every two weeks.

• 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. A cart selection website—for black garbage carts only—is available at regionofwaterloocarts.ca until Sept. 5, 2025.

  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.

• What do I do if my cart was not delivered?

• 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.

• ​What do I do once I receive the carts?

• 
  

  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.
• ​Do I have to receive a green (organics) cart?

• Yes, the Region of Waterloo encourages residents to divert their organic waste. Diverting organic material from the landfill is environmentally sound and is a part of the Region’s long-term waste management strategy.

• ​How will property owners in new subdivisions receive carts?

• 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.

4. Cart storage and upkeep

• What are the sizes and dimensions of the black and green carts?

• 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)

• ​Where can I store the carts?

• 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.

• How can residents keep their carts clean?

• 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.
• My cart has been damaged, what can I do?

• The carts are under 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.

• ​What can residents do with their existing garbage bin and the green bin once we switch to carts?

• 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 the green bin and re-use them as storage for soil, mulch, or winter salt.

  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.

5. How to use your carts

• ​How do I use the black (garbage) cart?

• 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.

• ​How do I use my green (organics) cart?

• 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.

  
  

• ​Can I put pet waste into the green cart?

• 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.

• ​Can I use my backyard composter instead of using the organics cart?

• A backyard composter is limited to the types of materials you can put in it (eggshells, fruit, coffee grinds); however, a green cart is able to process and break down more items (food grease, meat, bones, paper towels, pet waste). Even if you do backyard composting, we suggest that you still use the green cart as it will ensure that organic food waste does not end up in the landfill.

6. Cart setout

• ​How do I set out the carts?

• 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.

• ​How do I set out my carts in the winter?

• 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.

• ​What do I do if I have excess garbage that does not fit in the garbage cart?

• 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.

• ​What if I live on a busy street with lots of on-street parking?

• 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.

• Will the Double Garbage Days program continue with the new collection in March?

• Based on audits, since most residents in Waterloo Region were not using the Double Garbage Days program, it will end in March 2026.
  

  The large garbage cart holds three bags of garbage and up to 200 pounds. If you often have three bags, use the default (large) cart instead of choosing the smaller one.

• ​Can I request or purchase more than one green (organics) or black (garbage) cart?

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