Bulky Items and Appliances

Bulky items are items that do not fit inside of an approved garbage container, such as a large appliance or piece of furniture. The Region of Waterloo provides bulky item collection every second week (the same week as garbage collection) from eligible households. Limits apply. 

Wondering if your item is collectable and how to prepare it for collection? Use our Waste Whiz search box.

Ask the Waste Whiz!
If your bulky item was not collected:
  • Check for an Oops! sticker. The collection crew may have left a sticker to indicate a problem. If there is a sticker, remove your item from the curb and set it out, as appropriate, on the next scheduled collection day.
  • If your item does not have a sticker, and was set out at 7 a .m. on you collection, please leave it out at the curb and use our online form to report the issue.
  • Or contact our Call Centre at 519-575-4400, available 24 hours a day, every day.

What is collected?

In general:

  • Items that do not fit into a regular garbage bag/can.
  • Bundles that are no more than 92 centimetres (3 feet) in length and no heavier than 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Note: Each bundle counts as one item.
  • One single item that weighs less than 90 kilograms (200 pounds).
  • Items that are within the limit.

This can include:

  • Appliances, such as a stove, dryer, dishwasher: Remove doors or tape them shut.
  • Artificial Christmas trees, and natural Christmas trees after our special Christmas Tree collection program is over.
  • Carpet, scrap lumber: Remove tack strips/nails. Tie and bundle, no more than 92 centimetres (3 feet) in length and no heavier than 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Each bundle counts as one item.
  • Furniture: Do not dismantle. Ensure all pieces (cushions, shelves, etc.) are secured.
  • Mattresses 
  • Water softeners: Tanks must be completely empty (no water or salt) and be 200 lbs or less before placing them to the curb. Ask Waste Whiz for details.

Please note, items which are not collectable include: 

  • Electronic waste, BBQ tanks, and other banned items,
  • items that are too big/heavy (pool table, piano, cast iron bathtub, etc.),
  • Hazardous/sharp items such as wood with exposed nails,
  • Items above the Bulky Item limit, and 
  • Items set out with "free"  or "for sale" signs on them.

Check with the Waste Whiz to see if your item is collectable and how to prepare it for collection.

Collection schedule and rules
  • Set out properly-prepared bulky items by 7 a.m. on your collection day every second week (the same week as garbage collection). The time that your items are collected will vary week to week depending on various factors, such as routing changes, road construction, and weather conditions. 
  • Stay within the limit:
    • Single family homes and each legal duplex: Maximum three items per household per collection. 
    • Buildings with three to six units: Maximum 10 items per building per collection.
  • Each bundle counts as one item.
  • Use our Waste Whiz search tool for instructions on how to prepare your item. 
  • Keep items visible and accessible for collection crews (not behind a snowbank, parked car, etc.).
  • Do not pile garbage bags or other waste on top of bulky items.
  • If you set out your item with a "free" or "for sale" sign on it, collection crews will not collect it.
  • Holiday collection: Collection continues as usual on all holidays, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Changes to collection will be posted on our website and in social media, and advertised in local media. 
  • Garbage tags can't be used for bulky items.
  • Collection crews sticker and leave behind unacceptable items.

Options for dealing with bulky items
  • Look online to see if there are ways to reuse, repurpose, or "upcycle" your item. 
  • If the item is still in good condition, consider donating it, selling it online, or hosting a garage sale.
  • If you are having renovation work done (like new floors installed), ask the installer to take the waste with them.
  • If you are replacing an appliance or piece of furniture, ask the company to remove and recycle the old one and any packaging.
  • Contract a junk removal company or waste hauler to dispose.
  • Bring to a Region of Waterloo waste management site (restrictions, fees apply).

Tips and FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
  • Do not dismantle furniture since you could go over the limit.
  • Ensure your item is safe and secure to pick up. For example, fasten shelves in a bookcase if there is a chance they could fall out when the collectors lift it.
  • Tape a sign, "Garbage", on an item that you think the collector may leave behind just in case it was at the curb by mistake (such as for tricycle, cracked garbage can, lawn mower).
  • Do not share a stop with your neighbour.

What happens to bulky items after they are collected?

All metal items, such as stoves, washers, and dryers, are dropped off at one of our Waste Management sites. Refrigerants (chloroflurocarbon, CFC) are removed from appliances, as required. And the metal goods are shipped to scrap metal recyclers. All other items such as mattresses, couches, and wooden bookcases are landfilled. 

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