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.
For information about our waste programs and services during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as changes in set-out requirements and ways to keep collection crews safe, please go to our Collection Issues page.
Wondering if your item is collectable and how to prepare it for collection?
To report a collection concern, please use
our online form. Or contact our Call Centre at 519-575-4400, available 24 hours a day, every day.
Who is eligible? |
We collect bulky items and appliances from single-family homes, legal duplexes, eligible townhouse units, and small apartment buildings (6 units or less) every second week (the same week as garbage). Apartment buildings of 7 units or more, and most townhouse/condominium complexes do not receive curbside collection from us. To check your eligibility, collection day and services,
Still not sure if your property is eligible? Please contact our Call Centre at 519-575-4400, available 24 hours a day, every day.
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What is collected? |
- Appliances, such as a stove, dryer, dishwasher (remove doors or tape them shut before placing items at the curb)
- 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 90 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 (empty the salt, drain the liquids)
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, and items above the Bulky Item limit. 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). Please note that different trucks pick up different materials starting at 7 a.m. (they work into the evening). 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 3 items per household per collection.
- Buildings with 3 to 6 units: maximum 10 items per building per collection.
- Each bundle counts as one item.
- Garbage tags can't be used for bulky items.
- 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.
- Collection crews sticker and leave behind unacceptable items.
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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. Check out the options in our Residential Reuse and Recycle Directory. Or sell online or host 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 hauler to dispose.
- Bring to the Region's waste management site (restrictions, fees apply).
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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.
My bulky items were not collected. Why? |
There are a number of commons reasons why items are not collected, including by-laws and bans. If you have concerns about your collection, please use our online form, or contact our Call Centre at 519-575-4400, available 24 hours a day, every day. |
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