2026 Curbside Collection Changes
Overview
In March 2026, the Region of Waterloo will be changing to cart-based collection for garbage and organics.
The Region provides curbside collection service to approximately 161,000 single-family homes, duplexes, and 3-to-6-unit buildings, as well as 8,500 multi-family units and townhouse complexes that meet truck-access criteria.
Currently, most of the collection is done manually, by lifting waste materials and placing them into the collection trucks. By switching to cart-based collection, the Region will improve worker safety, operational efficiency, and cut down on waste collection day litter.
Download the free Waste Whiz App to receive notifications on the cart rollout. You can also get updates on the Region's Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
Come see the carts!
Waste Management staff will be out in the community at various events throughout the year.
Thursday, June 12:
Williamsburg Community Centre, Building 600, 1187 Fischer-Hallman Rd #620, Kitchener, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Ave S., Elmira, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Friday, June 13:
L and L Market, 101 Lancaster St. W., Kitchener, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cambridge Celebration of the Arts, Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson St., 5 to 10 p.m.
RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex, 2001 University Ave. E., Waterloo, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: Kitchener Farmers Market, 300 King St. E, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cart displays can also be found at the following locations:
Cambridge - Cambridge City Hall (50 Dickson St., Cambridge)
Kitchener - Forest Heights Community Centre (1700 Queen's Blvd, Kitchener)
Waterloo - Waterloo Memorial Recreational Complex (101 Father David Bauer Dr., Waterloo)
Woolwich - Woolwich Memorial Centre (24 Snyder Ave. S., Elmira)
Wellesley - Wellesley Township Recreational Complex (1401 Queens Bush Rd, Wellesley)
Wilmot - Wilmot Recreational Complex (1291 Nafziger Rd, Baden)
North Dumfries - North Dumfries Community Complex (2958 Greenfield Rd, Ayr)
Region of Waterloo Headquarters - 150 Frederick St., Kitchener
Cart selection
When will residents be able to select their carts?
The cart selection website (for black garbage carts only) is still under development, and is expected to be available in mid-June. Residents will have the option to choose the smaller size in June and July.
For garbage collection, the large black cart is the default size. There is no selection for the green cart, which only comes in one size.
When and how will the carts be delivered to residents?
Black and green carts will be delivered free of charge to residential properties before March of 2026.
Information kits will be provided with the carts and include instructions and tips on cart usage.
Cart sizes
Below are the sizes and dimensions for the various carts available. The large black cart is the default size, and residents will have the option to choose the smaller size if they wish. There is only one size for the green cart and food scraps container.
The large black cart fits the equivalent of three full bags of garbage.
Measurements: 69 cm (D) x 68 cm (W) x 111 cm (H)
The small black cart is optional, and can be chosen by residents if they prefer a smaller size. It fits the equivalent of one full bag of garbage.
Measurements: 62 cm (D) x 48 cm (W) x 96 cm (H)
The green cart comes in one size.
Measurements: 62 cm (D) x 48 cm (W) x 98 cm (H)
The food scraps container comes in one size.
Measurements: 30 cm (D) x 22 cm (W) x 24 cm (H)
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep informed about the cart rollout?
Download the Region's free Waste Whiz App or sign up for email reminders by entering your address in the Waste Whiz webpage and selecting the “Get a reminder!” button. You can also get updates on the Region's Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
If you have any questions about the carts, you can email carts@regionofwaterloo.ca, or call the Service First Contact Centre at 519-575-4400.
Will the Region continue existing assistance programs for waste pickup?
The Region will continue the existing medical exemption program and will be offering an assisted collection service.
Where will residents be able to purchase extra bag tags if their waste exceeds the carts?
Go to the Garbage Bag Tag page on our website for a list of extra bag tag vendors.
Will there be a blue cart for recycling?
As the Region of Waterloo is no longer responsible for blue box service, cart-based collection will only be used for residential garbage and organics. You can find more information on at regionofwaterloo.ca/bluebox.
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.
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.
Why did the Region decide on alternate fuels to power the fleet?
Alternative fuel sources such as compressed natural gas or renewable natural gas will be used due to the unpredictable fuel costs of diesel and to align with the Region of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the introduction of an alternative fuel powered fleet.
Background information
| Challenges with manual waste collection |
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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:
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. |
| Benefits of converting to cart-based collection for garbage and organics |
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Municipalities using cart-based collection |
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Multiple municipalities across Ontario and Canada collect their waste with carts. Some nearby examples are: |
Related council reports
February 7, 2023 - Curbside Waste Collection Changes
August 28, 2024 - Downtown Waste Services Review
February 11, 2025 - Communication and Implementation Plan for 2026 Curbside Waste Collection Change
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