Close Alert Banner
Close Browser Compatibility Banner
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
Skip navigation
Back to Homepage
  • Living Here

    • A to Z Services
    • Animal Services and Control
    • Child Care and Early Learning
    • Community Services
    • Community Gardens
    • Council Members
    • COVID-19 INFORMATION CENTRE
    • Education and Schools
    • Emergency Services, Response and Planning
    • Employment Support
    • Environmental Sustainability
    • Events Calendar
    • Financial Assistance
    • Food Banks
    • Garbage and Recycling
    • Home Renovations
    • Housing and Shelter
    • New to Canada or Waterloo Region
    • News and Public Notices
    • Older Adults
    • Roads and Traffic
    • Safety and Crime Prevention
    • Taxes
    • Transportation and Transit
    • Water and Wastewater
  • Exploring the Region

    • About Waterloo Region
    • Airport
    • Archives
    • Arts, Culture and Heritage
    • Events Calendar
    • Exploring the Region
    • Forests and Trails
    • Library
    • Maps
    • Museums
    • Transportation and Transit
  • Doing Business

    • Applications, Licences and Permits
    • Bids and Tenders
    • Commercial Waste
    • Community Profile
    • Construction and Design Standards
    • Economic Development
    • Health Standards for Business
    • Incentive Programs
    • Key Initiatives
    • Key Sectors
    • Operating a Child Care Business
    • Payment Options
    • Planning and Development Services
    • Regional Investments
    • Spills Prevention and Response
    • Surplus Auction
    • Workplace Wellness
  • Health and Wellness

    • Alcohol and Drugs
    • Cannabis Vaping and Tobacco
    • Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan
    • Dementia Services
    • Environmental Health
    • Food and Drinking Water
    • Health Services and Resources
    • Healthy Living
    • Immunizations and Vaccines
    • Infection and Disease
    • Older Adult Health
    • Parenting and Child Health
    • Pregnancy and Baby's First Year
    • Public Health and Emergency Services
    • Public Health Inspections
    • Rehabilitation and Respite Care
    • School Health
    • Sexual Health
    • Sunnyside Home Long-Term Care
    • Sunnyside Wellness Centre
    • Youth Health
  • Regional Government

    • Agendas, Minutes and Webcasts
    • Awards
    • Budget and Financial Statements
    • By-laws
    • Careers and Volunteering
    • Commissioner of Oaths
    • Contact Us
    • Council
    • Departments
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    • Elections
    • News and Public Notices
    • Open Government
    • Provincial Offences Court and Traffic Tickets
    • Public Engagement
    • Regional Responsibilities - Who Does What in Government
    • Reports, Plans and Data
    • Strategic Plan
    • I want to...

View our Facebook Page View our Twitter Page View our YouTube Page

  • Garbage and Recycling
    Toggle Section
    • Blue Box
      Toggle Section
      • Cart recycling for multi-unit buildings and schools
    • Bulky Items and Appliances
    • Collection Issues
      Toggle Section
      • Bans and By-laws
      • Collection by Building Type
      • Collection Schedules
      • Waste App
    • Commercial Waste
      Toggle Section
      • Workplace Waste Reduction and Recycling Directory
    • Drop-off, landfill hours, reduce and reuse options for residents
    • Education and Events
      Toggle Section
      • Publications and resources
    • Garbage
      Toggle Section
      • Garbage Tags
      • Medical Exemptions
    • Green Bin
      Toggle Section
      • Backyard Composting
      • Cart recycling for multi-unit buildings and schools
    • Household Hazardous Waste
    • Landfill and Recycling Centre
    • Landlords and Property Managers
      Toggle Section
      • Cart recycling for multi-unit buildings and schools
      • Post Secondary Students
    • Yard Waste
      Toggle Section
      • Backyard Composting
    • Garbage Tags
  • A to Z Services
  • Animal Services and Control
    Toggle Section
    • Animal Bites
    • Pests
  • Child Care and Early Learning
    Toggle Section
    • Help Paying for Child Care
    • Find Quality Child Care and Early Learning
    • Operating a Child Care Business
    • Region of Waterloo Home Child Care
    • Region of Waterloo Children's Centres
    • Special Needs Supports
    • Planning and Research
    • Quality Improvement
    • EarlyON Child and Family Centres
  • Community Services
    Toggle Section
    • Child Care and Early Learning
    • Employment Support
    • Financial Assistance
    • Housing
    • Older Adults
  • Community Gardens
  • Council Members
  • COVID-19 INFORMATION CENTRE
    Toggle Section
    • Region of Waterloo Public Health COVID-19 section
      Toggle Section
      • Adults and COVID-19
      • Children/Teens and COVID-19
      • Community Assessment Centres
      • Coronavirus FAQs
      • Coronavirus Media Briefing Notes
      • Coronavirus resources for health professionals
      • Coronavirus resources for schools and child care centres
      • Coronavirus resources for workplaces
      • COVID-19 vaccine
    • COVID-19 Community Supports
    • COVID-19 Coordinated Response - Newsletter
    • COVID-19 How to help
    • COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force
      Toggle Section
      • COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration
      • COVID-19 vaccine FAQs
      • COVID-19 vaccine communications toolkit
    • COVID-19 Who to contact
    • Face Covering By-law
    • Here For You
    • In This Together
    • Regional closures and service changes
    • Waterloo Region COVID-19 summary
    • Face Covering By-law for businesses
  • Education and Schools
    Toggle Section
    • Teaching Resources
  • Emergency Services, Response and Planning
    Toggle Section
    • Ambulance, Fire, Police
      Toggle Section
      • Paramedic Services
      • Public Access Defibrillator
      • Right Call, Right Care
    • Emergency Response Plans
    • Emergency Services Training Centre
    • Fire Safety
    • Hospitals
    • Preparing for an Emergency
  • Employment Support
  • Environmental Sustainability
    Toggle Section
    • Air Quality
    • Climate Change and Extreme Weather
    • Conserving Water
    • Energy Management
    • Growth Management
    • Natural Environment
    • Salt Management
    • Teaching Resources
  • Events Calendar
  • Financial Assistance
    Toggle Section
    • Ontario Works
    • Help Paying for Child Care
    • Dental Health
    • Discounted Bus Pass
    • Help Paying Rent
    • Utility Bill Help
    • Funding for Home Repairs
    • Funding to Help Buy a Home
    • Canada Learning Bond
    • Affordable Food
  • Food Banks
  • Home Renovations
    Toggle Section
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Funding for Home Repairs
    • Permits
  • Housing and Shelter
    Toggle Section
    • Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing
    • Find Affordable Housing
    • Funding for Home Repairs
    • Funding for Secondary Suites
    • Funding to Help Buy a Home
    • Help to Find and Keep a Home
    • Housing Providers
    • Incentives to Create Affordable Housing
    • Living in Community Housing
    • Community housing updates
    • Waterloo Region Housing Master Plan
    • Sunnyside Supportive Housing
    • The Renter's Toolkit
    • Housing Planning and Research
  • New to Canada or Waterloo Region
  • News and Public Notices
    Toggle Section
    • News
  • Older Adults
    Toggle Section
    • Dementia Services
    • Sunnyside Wellness Centre
    • Sunnyside Home Long-Term Care
    • Sunnyside Supportive Housing
    • Rehabilitation and Respite Care
    • Homemaking Support
  • Roads and Traffic
    Toggle Section
    • Carpooling
    • Annual Collision Report
    • Automated Speed Enforcement
    • Construction and Road Closures
    • Cycling and Walking
    • Distracted Driving
    • Parking
    • Red Light Cameras
    • Roundabouts
    • Separated Cycling Lanes
    • Signs and Signals
    • Traffic Safety
  • Safety and Crime Prevention
    Toggle Section
    • Bullying
    • Crime Prevention Council
    • Domestic Violence
  • Taxes
    Toggle Section
    • Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and Appeals
    • Policies, Reliefs and Rebates
    • Rates
  • Transportation and Transit
  • Water and Wastewater
    Toggle Section
    • About Wastewater
      Toggle Section
      • Protect your pipes
    • About Water
      Toggle Section
      • Groundwater
    • Beaches and Pools
    • Billing, Rates and Meters
    • Biosolids
    • Commercial Programs and Funding
    • Conserving Water
    • Current Projects
    • Drinking Water Locations
    • Drinking Water Safety
    • Protecting Water
      Toggle Section
      • Source Water Protection
    • Reports, plans and data
    • Report a Spill
    • Salt Management
      Toggle Section
      • Snow and Ice Clearing Tips for Homeowners
      • Winter Maintenance for Commercial Properties
    • Small Drinking Water Systems
    • Teaching Resources
    • Water Softeners

Collection Issues

  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Email This page Email
Home/Living Here/Garbage and Recycling/Collection Issues

COVID 19

COVID-19 Update:

During lockdown, waste curbside collection will continue as scheduled and the drop-off sites will remain open. There are some changes to our programs and services, see below to find ways you can help during these challenging times: 

    1. Use our online form to report collection concerns since our phone lines are very busy at this time.
    2. Our waste drop-off sites are open during regular operating hours. However, our waste management offices remain closed until further notice.
      • Holiday schedule:  Sites are open on regular schedule except for Statutory and designated holidays. 
      • Residents will be able to drop off garbage, large items, yard waste, organics, recyclables, used cooking oil and household hazardous waste. Regular hours of business:  Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fees will apply. No cash, please; pay with credit and debit cards.
      • At our Waterloo site, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore trailer, Goodwill Donation Centre, and Bicycle Reuse program bunker are not available.
      • Our offices are closed. Containers (blue boxes, green bins) are available at  the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) depots:
        • 201 Savage Drive, Cambridge (Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and
        • 925 Erb Street West, Gate 2, Waterloo,  (Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
      • The landfill is open to curbside collection contractors and commercial customers during regular hours. Electronic methods of payment only. No cash, please. 
      • We appreciate your patience and understanding as we are trying to protect the wellbeing of residents and workers.
    3. Our public tours and other in-person presentations are cancelled until further notice. 
      • Go on a virtual tour instead! Check out our 360 video, a virtual tour that takes you behind the scenes of our sorting centre and landfill.
      • Check out our online learning tools.
      • For teachers: Contact us to book a virtual presentation for your classroom.
      • Book a virtual presentation for your businesses or community group.
    4. Please take these extra steps to help protect collection crews:
      • Put all gloves, face masks, and cleaning wipes into a garbage bag. Please keep our community clean; do not litter.
      • Put all garbage in bags, even when you use a garbage can for collection. Garbage items that are not in bags will not be collected. Tie all garbage bags tightly shut.
      • Place used tissues and paper napkins in the garbage, rather than the green bin.
      • Use liner bags (either paper or certified compostable) for green bin organics. Securely close all liner bags by rolling down the top of paper liner bags, and tying shut certified compostable liner bags. Loose organics will not be collected.
      • If you are sick, place any item that has come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage. This includes items you would normally put in the blue box (or blue recycling cart, if you live in multi-unit building) such as water bottles, pop cans, milk/juice containers.

And follow Public Health's instructions on physical (social) distancing. We appreciate that you and your children may be interested in watching the collection crews work, but please do so from at least two meters away. Thank you!

Facts on waste collection and disposal during the COVID-19 pandemic

What can I expect when I drop off items at the Region's transfer station? 

  • We are open during normal hours:  Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sites are expected to be busy, particularly on Saturdays. There may be long line-ups and wait times as staff limit the number of vehicles permitted on site at one time and ensure an appropriate distance between drop-off areas.
  • When possible, please limit your access to the sites (essential trips only), and observe physical distancing. 
  • Regular fees apply. No cash, please; pay by credit and debit cards only.
  • Programs that are not available:  At our Waterloo site, drop-off programs for bicycles, building materials (Habitat for Humanity Restore trailer), and household goods (Goodwill Donation Centre trailer) are closed.  

How will you be protecting the public/staff at transfer stations?

  1. Physical barriers to prevent vehicles from pulling up close to one another for drop-off
  2. New signs reminding residents to keep at least two meters of distance
  3. Restrictions on the number of vehicles on site at any time
  4. Plexiglass barriers at the weigh scales (where all work surfaces are continually wiped down)
  5. Only accepting credit/debit (with a preference for TAP) and no cash.

How will you deal with long line-ups?

Staff will be on hand to direct traffic on site, but residents are cautioned: our sites can typically see more than 1,000 vehicles a day. Line-ups can be long, as will wait times. We appreciate everyone’s patience. 

Why do I need to use a green bin liner?

A liner bag helps contain the waste and makes it easier for material to exit the green bin, limiting exposure for our collection crews. Without a liner bag, items tend to stick to the sides of the container. The less handling of waste and containers, the healthier it is for the collection crews.

Reminders:

  • Please securely close all liner bags.
  • Unbagged (loose) organics will not be collected.

Why do I have to use a garbage bag, instead of having loose garbage in a can? 

  • Garbage in tied bags limits the exposure of collection crews to waste, particularly waste created by sick families. 
  • Unbagged garbage is a blowing litter concern at all times, and is also currently a health concern.
  • The less unnecessary handling of waste items and containers, the better it is to keep crews healthy. 

Are you still collecting green bins and blue boxes?

Yes, the majority of in-home waste comes from the green bin and blue box, and if residents are healthy, these items do not pose any concern for our crews. We encourage sorting of all items that can be recycled or composted, to continue diverting as much waste as possible from the garbage. 

Here are some ways to help keep collection safe and efficient for our crews:

  • Put all green bin organics in liner bags. Close all liner bags securely. Unbagged (loose) organics will not be collected.
  • If you are sick, put everything that has touched your face (tissues, paper napkins, juice containers, food scraps, etc.) in the garbage.
  • Use these tips to fit more into your blue box, such as crushing pop cans.
  • When you are setting out on windy/stormy days, please prepare your blue box items so they do not create litter.
  • Set out all your items by 7 a.m. on your collection day.
  • While you may be setting out more for collection, weight limits have not changed. Please ensure each blue box and green bin does not weigh over 23 kilograms (50 pounds). 

How are you keeping crews safe? 

Collection crews have their own health and safety procedures. Residents can help by taking these steps to protect them: 

  • Put all facial tissues and napkins into the garbage, not the green bin. 
  • Use a liner bag for all of your green bin organics (paper or certified compostable). Please close liner bags when you set out your bin for collection.
  • Put all garbage into a garbage bag, not loose in a garbage can.  
  • If you are sick, put any item that has touched your mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage. This includes items you would normally put in the blue box, such as water bottles, pop cans, milk and juice cartons, etc. 

How can I report a collection issue? 

The online form is the very best way to report any curbside collection concerns. This form is available online or on our app, Waste Whiz. Please include your email in the form to allow our staff to follow up on the issue. 

Is there anything else I can do? 

Please try to reduce the amount of waste you make. Now would be a good time to review your in-home waste patterns and find new ways to reduce waste. We suggest you start by playing the recycling game available on our Waste Whiz app, good for kids and adults alike!

Please correctly prepare all items you set to the curb for collection. Use the Waste Whiz search tool for instructions.

Do not overfill blue boxes, garbage cans and other containers.  

 

Use the Waste Whiz below to find out how to recycle or dispose of an item or click on the other tabs to find your collection schedule, or play a sorting game. Under "Need help?" tab, set or modify your collection reminders, print out your personalized collection calendar, report a concern, or get other assistance.



This site determines waste services for residents living in single and semi-detached homes in Waterloo Region. Apartment buildings, businesses, condominiums and townhouse residents should call the Region's 24 / 7 customer service team at 519-575-4400 for more information.

Collection during snow events:  Crews do their best to complete collection each day. However, during snow events, collection may be delayed due to road and weather conditions. If you set out items for collection during snow events, please

  • set out all items by 7 a.m. on your collection day,
  • keep items visible and safe to access (keep at ground level, do not place on snowbanks)
  • report items that are not collected by 6 p.m. on your collection day to our Call Centre at 519-575-4400. We appreciate your patience.

Different trucks pick up different materials starting at 7 a.m. on each collection day (they work into the evening). The time that your items are collected will vary week to week depending on various factors such as the amount of materials at the curb, routing changes, road construction, and weather and road conditions. Collection crews sticker and leave behind unacceptable items.

Below is information to help you avoid collection issues, or figure out why your item(s) were not collected.

Top 7 tips to ensure your items are collected

    1. 7 am on digital clockSet out your items by 7 a.m. on your collection day. Collection crews start at 7 a.m. and their routes change without notice. 
    2. Set out your items as close to the street as possible, in a safe and accessible spot at the end of your driveway. Items placed behind or on top of snowbanks, or on opposite side of sidewalks cannot be collected.
    3. Ensure your items are visible. Please do not place items behind parked cars, light posts, or snowbanks. 
    4. Properly sort and prepare your items. Check Waste Whiz (at the top of this page) to find out how to prepare specific items for collection. Use this sorting guide. Do not set out hazardous items. 
    5. Use approved collection containers. 50 pound weight

 

  1. Stay within the weight limit of 23 kilograms (50 pounds) for each blue box, green bin, garbage bag or can, and yard waste item.
  2. Stay within the set out limits for garbage and bulky items. If you have garbage bags/cans over the limit, use garbage tags.

 

 

Five garbage containers with a bag tag on the fifth one

 

Sorting matters for curbside collection! How to recycle more and waste less

Since packaging, products, and programs are always changing, sometimes it's difficult to know what to do, and how to dispose of certain items.

We are here to help! Below are tips to help you set up, sort out, and set out your waste successfully.

Why is this important? It reduces the amount of garbage you create (and helps you stay within the garbage limit), conserves resources and has other local and global benefits, and extends the life of our one-and-only landfill.

  1. Set up for success. Place containers in key rooms of your home (such as the kitchen, bathroom, and garage) to help your household separate blue box items, organics, and garbage. Consider having colour-coded containers (such as blue, green, black) that are labelled. Reuse cardboard boxes or plastic containers you have on hand. Before collection day, empty these containers into the containers accepted for curbside collection. Also, consider having a safe spot to store household hazardous waste (including spent batteries).
    • For blue box recycling, have two containers. One for metal, glass and plastic bottles and jars (that contained a food, beverage, or cleaning product) and milk/juice cartons, and the other for paper, cardboard and plastic bags. Note we have stickers available for blue boxes.
  2. Learn the basics and talk with your household. Our "sorting" flyer could be a good place to start. Consider posting it near your containers as a reference. Check out the other brochures and flyers on our Publications page, and our web pages for details on each of our curbside programs (blue box, bulky item, garbage, green bin, yard waste, Christmas trees). Once you understand the basics, talk to members of your household.
  3. If in doubt, check it out! Do you have an item and you're not sure how to dispose of it? Check the Waste Whiz search box (above on this page). Type in the item and find out how to prepare it for a curbside or drop-off program. And remember that our Call Centre staff are available 24 hours a day, every day. If you have questions or concerns about the Region's programs, contact them at 519-575-4400.
  4. Keep it simple.
  • Purchase items with packaging that is accepted in our recycling program.
  • Get 'appy!  Download our free Waste Whiz app (or use the online version) have the Waste Whiz search box at your finger tips. Also, take advantage of the other helpful features, such as scheduling reminders to help you set out the right items on the correct day.

Troubleshooting guide to "Oops!" stickers and common collection issues

When an item has been set out on time and not collected, the collection crew will leave a sticker to indicate why it wasn't collected.

Below is a troubleshooting guide that shows each type of sticker, how to deal with items that were not collected, and how to prevent getting a sticker.

Oops! Not allowed sticker

Oops! Not allowed:  An item may not be allowed due to health and safety issues, by-law requirements, or it may not be something that we collect curbside. Some examples include:

  • Loose, unbagged garbage
  • Loose, unbagged green bin organics
  • Bagged recyclable containers (cans, cartons, bottles and jars) in a blue box
  • Styrofoam in a blue box
  • Regular plastic bags in a green bin
  • Electronic waste (not collected at the curb - use local drop-off programs)
  • Broken glass, and syringes which are not safe to collect
  • Incorrect type of collection container

Check the Waste Whiz for details on how to properly prepare and dispose of your item.

Oops not bundled properly

Oops! Not bundled properly:  Items that need to be bundled, such as cardboard, wood or branches, need to be sized and tied correctly for collection crews to pick up safely and to fit into their trucks.

Check the Waste Whiz for details and properly prepare the bundles for your next collection day.

Oops too heavy

Oops! Too heavy:  Each blue box, green bin, garbage bag/can, bundle, and yard waste item must be no heavier than 23 kilograms (50 pounds). If your item exceeds the weight limit, split up the material into separate containers/bundles and set out on your next collection day.

Oops too many

Oops! Too many:  There are limits on the number of garbage cans/bags you can set out for collection. Please:

  • Check the limits for garbage and bulky items.
  • Use a garbage tag for each garbage bag/can you set out that is above the limit.
  • Remove the items from the curb that were not collected, and set out on your next scheduled collection day within the limits. Option: Bring extra items to a Regional waste management site. Fees will apply.

Oops! Contents were frozen sticker

Oops! Contents were frozen: Items could not be collected because they were frozen to the container at the time of collection. This sometimes happens with blue box items and green bin organics.

Ways to ensure your items are easy to empty out:

  • Bag/bundle paper and boxboard before you put it in your blue box
  • Make sure your blue box is clean and dry before you place materials in it
  • Drain liquids before placing organics in the green bin
  • Use liner bags (and loosen the liner bag when you set the green bin to the curb)
  • Layer paper organics with food scraps in your green bin
  • Placing a paper egg carton or balled up newsprint on the bottom of your green bin.

Oops wrong week sticker

Oops! Wrong week:  Garbage, bulky and large items, and seasonal yard waste are not collected every week. Bring in your item(s) from the curb and put them back out on your next scheduled collection day.

Please note also that Christmas trees have a specific collection period. Check the Holiday/Christmas trees schedule.

Winter tips:  How to set out items for collection in cold and snowy conditions

Collection crews cannot collect items that are not safe to access, are not visible and are frozen inside of containers. Use these tips to help keep pedestrians, vehicles and our collection crews safe, and collection efficient in cold, snowy conditions:

Snow shoveled ledge with containers out for collectionMake sure items are easily accessible.

  • Place the items either at the end of your driveway or shovel a ledge in the snowbank near the end of your driveway. Please make sure the ledge or "shelf" is on the road-side, not the sidewalk-side.
  • Do not place items on top of snowbanks.
  • Clear any snow and ice that may accumulate.

Ensure containers are visible. 

  • If you use garbage bags, use black or green garbage bags. Do not set out garbage in white garbage bags.
  • Do not set items behind snowbanks, parked cars, shrubs or lamp posts.
  • Brush off snow that may accumulate on your items.
  • Set your items on the right-hand side of your driveway (looking from your house towards the street). This makes it easier for the collectors to see your items when they are driving down the street. 

Ensure your organics are easy to empty out of your green bin:

  • Drain liquids before placing organics in the bin
  • Use a liner bag and loosen it from the sides when you set your green bin out for collection
  • Layer paper organics with food scraps
  • Place a paper egg carton or balled up newsprint on the bottom of your green bin

Place items out the day of collection by 7 a.m., rather than the night before.

Consider not setting out your waste during major snow events.

Please note that collection crews do their best to empty your containers, but sometimes contents are frozen when they arrive. By the time you retrieve your containers, contents may be thawed/loose. Please set these out on your next collection.

Thanks for helping to make collection safe and efficient.

TIP! Remove your empty containers promptly so they don't get buried with snow, blow around or get damaged. Make sure your address is written on your containers, too!

How to set out items in windy or stormy conditions and prevent litter

  • Don't set items to the curb the night before collection if a storm or high winds are expected. Place your items at the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of collection if the weather is better. If it is still windy/stormy, consider waiting and set out your items next week.

  • Save lightweight items for your next collection day.

  • Prepare your blue box materials so that they do not blow away:

    • Crush containers so they fit better in the blue box, and aren't as easily lifted by wind. (Do not bag containers - keep them loose in your blue box.)

    • Stuff all plastic bags in one bag and tie the handles of the outer bag.

    • Put paper in a plastic grocery bag and tie the handles of the bag.
    • Flatten, size, and bundle all boxes, such as corrugated cardboard.

    • Stack your blue boxes. Place your Paper Products and Plastic Bags blue box on top of your Containers Only blue box.   

  • Write your address on your blue boxes, green bin, and garbage can in permanent marker. This makes it easier for them to be returned.

Thanks for preventing litter in our community!

Top 5 tips to prevent summertime pests

  1. Empty and rinse all food and beverage containers before placing them in your blue box. 
  2. Bury food scraps with paper waste (such as shredded paper and facial tissues), and keep the lid closed at all times. (Check out this flyer for more tips for preventing and controlling pests in your green bin.)
  3. Clean your blue boxes, green bins, and garbage cans often. Freshen them up with
  • a natural deodorizer such as baking soda 
  • citronella, an essential oil, (smear the oil on the outside rim of your container to deter flies)
  • a spray made out of half white vinegar and half water to deal with fruit flies

4.  Set all items on the curb for collection by 7 a.m. on your collection day. Do not set them out the night before.

5.  Replace broken or cracked blue boxes, green bins and garbage cans. 

Collection in a construction zone

When streets are under construction, waste collection vehicles cannot safely or directly access the items you set out. Managers of the construction project will be responsible to coordinate with Region of Waterloo Waste Management staff to assure collection, and should communicate with you about waste collection details. In most cases, construction crews will move all the waste to certain location(s) on adjoining streets which are accessible to our collection crews.

To help, please

  • Write your address on each of your blue boxes and green bins, using permanent marker. This helps your containers to be returned to you.
  • Use garbage bags instead of garbage cans. 
  • Ensure all of your items are prepared correctly.
    • Do not overfill blue boxes.
    • Keep within the limits for garbage and bulky items.
    • Keep within the weight limit (23 kilograms, 50 pounds) for each container, garbage bag, and bundle.
    • Ensure each container can support its contents. For example, please ensure paper yard waste bags do not tear when lifted.
  • Set out items on schedule, such as the every-second-week collection schedule for garbage/bulky items, and seasonal yard waste.
  • Follow the set-out times required by the construction project manager. It may be earlier than 7 a.m.
  • Keep informed. The Region and local municipalities provide information about construction projects.

Tips for moving day

Due to COVID-19, Regional waste offices are closed until further notice, and collection and drop-off programs have changed. Please refer to the information at the top of this page for details.

Whether you are moving into or out of Waterloo Region, below is information to help prevent collection issues.

Moving in

Welcome! We hope that you join our community in recycling all you can, preventing litter, and saving space in our one-and-only landfill.

Here are some steps to get you started: 

  • Find out your collection service by going to our Collection by Building Type page. Or check your eligibility, collection day and schedule by typing in your address in our online Waste Whiz Search tool.
  • Get the correct collection containers. 
    • If you are in a large apartment building or townhouse complex, contact your site manager for an orientation to the waste management programs and get the correct containers.
    • If you are in a detached single family home, duplex, or small apartment building (having six or fewer units) and receive Regional services, you can pick up a green bin and blue box for no charge at our Household Hazardous Waste depots located at 201 Savage Drive, Cambridge, and  925 Erb Street West (Gate 2), Waterloo, Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Create an 'eco depot' in each of the key areas of your home. Have collection containers in your kitchen and bathrooms to help proper sorting and collection of waste.
  • Learn about our programs. Check out our web pages for curbside, cart, and drop-off programs, and brochures and other available resources. Remember to set all your items out by 7 a.m. on your collection day, do not go over the weight and garbage bag limits, and set out the correct items on the correct week.
  • Put the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) into practice. Check out our waste reduction tips to avoid waste every day, even during holidays, and a directory of local reuse stores and organizations. Recycling is very important to our community since the very first Blue Box program was invented here - so please recycle all you can. 
  • Flatten and bundle all corrugated cardboard.
  • Use our waste app for collection schedule reminders and program updates.
  • Use the Waste Whiz search box to find out how to deal with an item.
  • Sign up for our electronic newsletter to keep up-to-date on our programs and services.

Again, welcome to Waterloo Region. If you have any questions about our programs and services or have a collection concern, we are here to help. Please contact our Call Centre at 519-575-4400 available 24 hours a day, every day.

Moving out

We know it's a busy time for you, but please plan ahead and figure out what you need to dispose of, and how you can dispose of items. 

  • If you have curbside collection, please remember that the number of bulky items is limited every second week, and that items above the limit will not be collected.
  • If you have extra garbage, please use garbage tags. 
  • Gather up batteries, unused or expired medication, paint, and other Household Hazardous Waste and drop it off at local depots.
  • Sort through your clothing and household items, and donate things you no longer want or need.
  • Sort through your food. Consider donating food you no longer want to local food banks, as appropriate. For food that has expired, please remove packaging, rinse and recycle packaging accepted in the Blue Box program and Blue and Grey Cart program, and place the food in your green bin (maximum weight is 23 kilograms (50 pounds). 
  • Clean and leave behind the Region of Waterloo blue boxes and green bins, or the reusable recycling bags (for multi-unit buildings). These containers belong to the address. 
Subscribe to this Page

Contact Us


ROW logo

City of Cambridge

City of Kitchener

City of Waterloo

Township of North Dumfries

Township of Wellesley

Township of Wilmot

Township of Woolwich

© 2021 Region of Waterloo, 150 Frederick St., Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3, Telephone: 519-575-4400,  Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TTY): 519-575-4608, Fax: 519-575-4481, Email Us

AccessibilityContact UsWebsite FeedbackPrivacy StatementTerms of UseSitemapCareers and Volunteering
Designed by eSolutionsGroup

I Want To...

Report or Request

  • By-law concern
  • Concern with construction and road closure
  • Concern with signs and signals
  • Found a needle
  • Immunization records
  • Make a complaint
  • Make a complaint, compliment or feedback about transit
  • Report a waste collection issue
  • More...
  • View All..

Apply or Register

  • Affordable Housing
  • Help for a child with special needs in child care
  • Help to pay for child care
  • Home Child Care
  • Ontario Works
  • Permit or license
  • Volunteer
  • More...

Pay

  • For garbage tags
  • My water bill
  • My invoice
  • My Provincial offence or traffic ticket
  • More...

Talk to Us

  • Communicate with Council
  • Contact Us
  • Find information about community services
  • Provide input on Regional issues
  • Rate our services
  • Subscribe to news and alerts
  • More...

Search Results

Search Results: