Everything you need to know about Waterloo Region's new garbage and organic cart system
The Region of Waterloo will be moving to a cart-based garbage collection system in March 2026.
The region said the new wheeled carts will bring some uniformity and efficiency to weekly waste collection. It will also make it easier and safer for workers, who lift hundreds of heavy bins and bags every day.
The change will affect 161,000 homes, duplexes and low-rise buildings, as well as 8,500 multi-family units and townhouse complexes.
The system is already being used by several neighbouring municipalities, including Guelph, Toronto, Peel Region, Simcoe County, Barrie, Halton Region and Kingston.
Here is everything you need to know about the switch.
New carts
Residents will get one black cart, one green cart and one container for food scraps.
All three will be provided for free.
The region said the black cart fits the equivalent of three full bags of garbage.
The measurements are as follows:
Large black cart
Dimensions: 69 cm (D) x 68 cm (W) x 111 cm (H)
Volume: 240 litres
Weight limit: 200 pounds (or 90.7 kilograms)
Green cart
Dimensions: 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
Dimensions: 30 cm (D) x 22 cm (W) x 24 cm (H)
Alternatively, residents can swap out the large black cart for a smaller one.
The region said it fits the equivalent of one full bag of garbage.
Small black cart
Dimensions: 62 cm (D) x 48 cm (W) x 96 cm (H)
Volume: 120 litres
Weight limit: 100 pounds (or 45.4 kilograms)
Garbage black cart curbside collection green
(Source: Region of Waterloo)
Getting the new carts
The new carts will be delivered to residents before March 2026.
Choosing your size
Each address will automatically receive one large black cart. There is no need to contact the region if this is the option you prefer.
If, however, residents want to opt for the smaller black cart, they need to use the region's online cart selection tool. Residents are advised to use the address listed on their property tax bill. If the address does not appear, the region suggested clicking the 'Need Help' button or calling the contact centre at 519-575-4400.
The form for the smaller cart must be filled out by Sept. 5.
The green cart and food scrap container only come in one size.
Changing your mind
Black cart sizes are set and cannot be changed after Sept. 5.
The region asks that residents use whatever size they receive for at least six months.
After that time, they can decide if they want to size down or swap their smaller black cart for a larger one.
Residents can exchange their cart once – at no cost – in fall 2026.
Unsure what size you want?
Various events will be held around the region to show off the new carts.
waterloo region waste bin new 2025 2026
Waterloo Region will be rolling out new waste and organic bins by 2026, June 7, 2025 (Hannah Schmidt/CTV News).
Displays have also been set up throughout the municipality. You can find a list of locations here.
Collection day changes
The region will move to a four-day curbside collection schedule on March 2, 2026. Garbage and food scraps will not be picked up on Mondays.
'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,' the region said on its website.
The frequency of collection will not change.
The region said an updated waste calendar will be sent out to homes in February 2026.
Putting carts out at the curb
When putting out the new carts, arrows on the lid will indicate which side must face the street.
There must be two feet between carts or other large objects (such as trees, cars, etc.)
Lids must be closed securely.
Do not put the carts on top of, or behind, snowbanks during the winter.
Protecting your carts
All carts belong to the Region of Waterloo.
Each one is given a unique ID, associated with the address it was assigned to.
The region suggests writing your address on the side in permanent marker.
What about blue bins?
The region is not responsible for blue bin collection, thus there are no changes to recycling rules.
Pet waste disposal
Pet waste can be put into the green cart.
The region said it must be bagged in a certified compostable or paper bag.
End of double garbage days
The Double Garbage Days program will end in March 2026.
Other types of curbside collection
Bulky items, yard waste and Christmas tree collection are not affected by the new system.
The existing 'bag tag' program for excess garbage is also not affected.
Additional carts
Each residence will get one black cart and one green cart.
No additional carts are available at this time.
Reducing garbage bag waste
There is no need to purchase garbage bags, waste can be put directly into the cart.
What do to with the old bins?
Residents are encouraged to reuse their old garbage bins as yard waste containers. Alternatively, they can be put out at the curb as a bulky item after the new system launches in March. Please secure a sign stating: 'Garbage please take.'
Green bins, meanwhile, can be reused as storage for soil, mulch or winter salt. Unwanted green bins can also be returned to the region. A drop-off date will be announced at a later date.
What's the cost of the new system?
Emterra Environmental was awarded an eight-year contract for service in Waterloo Region, at a cost of $285 million.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
3 hours ago
- CTV News
Debate rages over COVID-19 era reservation system at Kits pool in Vancouver
On a hot day, it's hard to beat the Kitsilano outdoor pool as a way to cool down. But how you get into the water is becoming a major talking point – with broadcaster Jody Vance leading a push online to end the online booking system, a system that was initially brought in during the COVID-19 pandemic as a safety measure. While you can still technically go into the water on a drop-in basis, only 20 per cent of pool spots are left for those wanting to go for a dip on a whim. 'To not be able to access it spontaneously, I think, is a travesty for families – and there are people who are going to miss out on the experiences I was lucky enough to have,' Vance told CTV News at the pool on Friday. Vance has been one of the most vocal critics of the park board's online system, posting about it regularly to her online followers. Another high-profile critic is former Vancouver city councillor George Affleck, who has similarly been advocating for a return to the old system in regular social media posts. Beyond the booking system itself, another criticism has been the changeover period – in which the pool sits empty for half an hour multiple times a day – sometimes at prime-time slots like from 11:30 a.m. to noon. 'That's two full hours a day that people could be using this community amenity,' Vance said of the 30-minute windows between swimming slots. But the park board insists many swimmers appreciate the certainty of specific time slots, especially on a hot day. 'People standing in line in the heat for a long amount of time,' Park Board Chair Laura Christensen told CTV News when asked about some of the drawbacks of the old system. 'That can result in people becoming ill, people getting heat stress from standing in the heat. People paying for parking to go to a pool they may not be able to get into.' Christensen said that while it's true the reservation system was brought in during the pandemic, staff had started to explore the idea before COVID-19. She also defended the changeover system – explaining that while the pool is empty as people change – many of those people are still in the change rooms before the new group comes in. 'If you think about when you finish swimming, you need to shower, you need to get dressed. If you've got kids with you, that can take time to get everybody ready and dressed,' said Christensen. 'We have that time period to let everybody get out of the pool.' Swimmers CTV News spoke with on Friday at the pool had a range of opinions. Some shared Vance's view that a day at the pool should be spontaneous, while others liked the fact that if they planned ahead, they could show up knowing they would get in for sure at their time slot. Ultimately, the debate will continue, and the park board says it is listening – pointing to its moves to lengthen early morning swims and public swims after hearing feedback from the public.
CTV News
3 hours ago
- CTV News
Nominations open for Lethbridge Mighty Neighbours
Lethbridge is accepting nominations for Mighty Neighbours throughout the summer. The City of Lethbridge is looking for a few good mighty neighbours. Nominations are now being accepted by the city identifying the 'unsung heroes among us – the neighbours whose small but mighty actions help make our neighborhoods friendlier, safer and more welcoming for everyone,' according to the city's website. It's the sequel to a program that started in 2024 and produced a lot of responses. 'After a successful launch in 2024, we continued the program through the summer and again this past winter,' said Lethbridge transportation communications strategist Heather Gowland, in a media release. 'We saw firsthand how much people appreciate their neighbours, so we knew we had to keep it going another year.' The summer 2025 campaign is spotlighting everyday activities that make a big difference: picking up litter, cleaning out local gutters, and being a responsible pet owner. 'Summer tends to bring out the best in community spirit,' said Lethbridge parks community coordinator Ashley Walker. 'It's the perfect time to highlight the small acts of kindness that help our neighbourhoods thrive.' To nominate a Mighty Neighbour from now through the end of September, go here. Each month a nomination will be randomly chosen, giving the nominator a chance to share their story with local news and on city social media. The nominator will also receive a small gift of recognition to share with their nominee. 'We look forward to hearing about the everyday heroes who make their neighbourhoods mighty good places to live-one good deed at a time,' said Walker.
CTV News
4 hours ago
- CTV News
Aquamation coming to Chatham
Windsor Watch A new, greener type of cremation coming to Chatham-Kent uses water instead of fire. CTV Windsor's Chris Campbell has details.
