COVID19 Update:
Below are changes to our curbside programs and services, and ways you can help during these challenging times:
- Use our online form to report collection concerns since our phone lines are very busy at this time.
- All of our waste facilities are closed to the public until further notice.
- This means that our drop-off facilities are closed, including household hazardous waste depots. Also, containers (blue boxes, green bins), compost and mulch are not available for pick-up.
- The landfill is open to curbside collection contractors and commercial customers only during regular hours on weekdays. Electronic methods of payment only. No cash, please. All of our sites will be closed on Saturdays.
- We appreciate your patience and understanding as we are trying to protect the wellbeing of residents and workers.
- Bulky item collection (items that do not fit into an approved garbage bag or can) will be cancelled starting March 30, 2020 until further notice.
- Garbage collection limits will be temporarily extended from four to six bags/cans every second week for each household or each duplex unit, and from 10 to 12 garbage bags/cans for small apartment buildings (having six or fewer units) starting March 30, 2020. This is to assist residents unable to drop off diapers at our transfer stations, and to allow anyone who is sick to put recyclables that have touched their face in the garbage. We ask residents to please continue to limit the garbage they put out as much as possible to support curbside crews.
- Yard waste collection is postponed until further notice. Please consider composting yard waste in your backyard.
- Our April public tour has been cancelled. Consider going 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.
- Please take these extra steps to help protect collection crews:
- Place used tissues and paper napkins in the garbage, rather than the green bin.
- Put all cleaning wipes in the garbage.
- Put all garbage in garbage bags, not loose in garbage cans.
- Use liner bags (either paper or certified compostable plastic) in the green bin.
- 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, etc.
- And follow Public Health's recommendations about 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 2 metres away. Thank you!
Reminders:
| Waste drop-off options while Region of Waterloo sites are closed |
| To help, below is a list of local companies with waste drop-off facilities. Please contact them for their hours of operation, terms of service, payment options, and any special requirements during these challenging times. The Region of Waterloo does not recommend, endorse or guarantee the services of any of the companies listed. GFL Residential drop-off: Yes Commercial drop-off: Yes Cost: Minimum $28.25. No cash payments. Location: 16 Centennial Road, and 75 Ardelt Place, Kitchener Contact: 519-578-3082 www.gflenv.com Hersey Bins Residential drop-off: Yes - large items, basement cleanout waste only (no regular household garbage) Commercial drop-off: Yes Cost: Minimum $29, $80 per tonne Location: 355 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener Contact: 1-855-543-7739 www.herseybins.ca Waste Management Inc. Residential drop-off: No Commercial drop-off: Yes - must set up an account prior to drop-off Cost: Rates vary Location: 645 Conrad Place, Waterloo Contact: 519-886-4891 ext. 228 www.wm.com Wasteco Residential drop-off: No Commercial drop-off: Yes Cost: Rates vary Location: 871 Victoria Street North, Kitchener Contact: 1-888-787-5060 www.wasteco.com Also, consider waste removal companies listed in our Haulers list. |
| Facts on waste collection and disposal during the COVID19 pandemic |
| Why are you not collecting yard waste or bulky items? |
| As of March 30, both yard waste collection and bulky and large item collection (items that don’t fit in a garbage bag) will be temporarily suspended. This allows us to ensure that both our collection crews and landfill operations staff are able to direct their resources at essential garbage collection, and proper processing and handling of the essential waste streams. Yard waste and bulky item collection are deemed not essential during this challenging time. They will not be collected curbside. |
| Why can’t I put yard waste out as garbage? If I only have 2 bags of garbage, why can’t I put out yard waste as my extra bags? |
| The goal of suspending yard waste and bulky item collection is to reduce the burden on essential frontline collection crews. As they begin to face staffing resource concerns, reducing curbside collection to only essential services will make sure that we can continue curbside collection. Yard waste is not garbage, it is a valuable resource. Once normal waste collection services resume, yard waste will once again be collected and turned into compost. |
| What should I do with my yard waste/bulky items/other? |
| We understand that cancelling collection of yard waste and bulky items while not being able to offer drop-off service at the transfer station is a challenge. Residents are asked to please hang onto yard waste and bulky items at home. As an additional option for large/bulky items, there are several local waste companies which accept residential loads at their facilities. For your convenience, a list of these services is available (see above). |
| Why are you expanding the garbage bag limits? |
| Beginning March 30, garbage limits have been temporarily increased to handle potential increases in the volume of garbage as more people self-isolate at home. The increased limits should also assist residents unable to drop off diapers as the transfer stations are closed, or to help sick families. Anyone who is sick should put any item that has touched their face into the garbage, include all recyclable items (water bottles, pop cans, etc.). Used tissues and napkins should also be put into the garbage during this time, rather than the green bin. The extra bags are not in place for spring cleaning or to replace yard waste collection. Yard waste will not be collected as garbage.
- Single family homes: 4 bag limit increased to 6 bags every second week.
- Small apartment buildings (3-6 units): 10 bag limit increased to 12 bags every second week.
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| Why is the transfer station closed to the public? |
| In addition to limiting our staff’s exposure, we want to make sure that the staff we have on hand are able to manage the essential waste that we need to continue receiving (from our curbside collection, and from our small business customers). To make sure we have the resources to manage essential services, we have had to put a hold on some non-essential services. We understand this is an inconvenience and ask residents to please hold these waste items for the time being. |
| Why is the Commercial drop-off for our curbside collection trucks and local small businesses still open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed on Saturday? |
| Since our curbside collection vehicles do not collect on Saturdays, we have made the decision to close to all commercial service on Saturday. This is a temporary situation and we will post on our website when we are able to return to full operations. |
| 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. |
| Why do I have to use a garbage bag, instead of having loose garbage in a can? |
| As a health precaution for the crews, it is important to limit their exposure to all waste, particularly any material that may come from 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 for keeping 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:
- Use liner bags in your green bin.
- 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).
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| How are you keeping crews safe? |
| As best as possible, collection crews have implemented their own health and safety procedures. Residents can help by taking these extra steps to protect them:
- Put all tissue and napkins into the garbage, not the green bin.
- Use a liner bag in the green bin (paper liner or certified compostable liner).
- 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.
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| 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 and hold off putting your green bin and blue boxes out for collection until full. 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! |
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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, please ensure they are set out by 7 a.m. on your collection day and are visible and safe to access (keep at ground level, do not place on snowbanks). If your items are not collected by 6 p.m. on your collection day, please contact 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 |
 Set out your items by 7 a.m. on your collection day. Collection crews start at 7 a.m. and their routes change without notice. - Set out your items as close to the street as possible, in a safe and accessible spot. Items placed behind or on top of snowbanks, or on opposite side of sidewalks cannot be collected.
- Ensure your items are visible. Please do not place items behind parked cars, light posts, or snowbanks.
- 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.
- Use approved collection containers.
- Stay within the weight limit of 23 kilograms (50 pounds) for each blue box, green bin, garbage bag or can, bundle, and yard waste item.
- Stay within the set out limits for garbage and bulky items. If you have garbage bags/cans over the limit, use garbage tags.
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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! No 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:
- 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.
Check the Waste Whiz (at the top of this page) for details on how to properly prepare and dispose of your item. 
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 (at the top of this page) for details and properly prepare the bundles for your next collection day. 
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. Some bulky items and appliances have different weight limits. Please check the Waste Whiz (at the top of this page) for details, and prepare the item for set out (or drop off) according to the instructions provided. 
Oops! Too many: There are limits on the number of garbage cans/bags and bulky items/appliances you can set out for collection. Please:
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: Garbage, bulky items and appliances, and seasonal yard waste are not collected every week. Bring in your item(s) 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:  Make 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 left-hand side of your driveway (looking at your house from 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. 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 |
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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.
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Save lightweight items for your next collection day.
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Prepare your blue box materials so that they do not blow away:
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Crush containers so they fit better in the blue box, and aren't as easily lifted by wind.
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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.
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Flatten, size, and bundle all boxes, such as corrugated cardboard.
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Stack your blue boxes. Place your Paper Products and Plastic Bags blue box on top of your Containers Only blue box.
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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 |
- Empty and rinse all food and beverage containers before placing them in your blue box.
- 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.)
- Clean your blue boxes, green bins, and garbage cans often. Freshen them up with natural deodorizers such as baking soda or white vinegar.
- Set all items on the curb for collection by 7 a.m. on your collection day. Do not set them out the night before.
- Replace broken or cracked blue boxes, green bins and garbage cans.
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Tips for moving day |
| 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 mapping tool lookup.
- 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 Waste Management Administration buildings (201 Savage Drive, Cambridge open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 925 Erb Street West, Gate 1, Waterloo open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 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 Residential Reduce and Reuse Options page for 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.
- 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.
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