2026 Curbside Collection Changes

Please note:

While drivers are learning new trucks and routes, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we launch this new program.

How to set out your waste

Park it: Place your carts at the end of your driveway or boulevard by 7 a.m. on your collection day.

Point it: The arrows are pointed to the street, the handle facing your house.

Space it: Give at least two feet (0.6m) of space on all sides so the truck can collect safely.

Close it: Make sure your cart is not overfilled and the lid to your cart is closed.

Remove it: Keep all items off your cart lid.

Tag it: Use garbage tags around the neck of extra garbage bags and place beside your garbage cart.

How to sort your waste

Find more information about how to sort your waste on our WasteWhiz app

Residential recycling is managed by Circular Materials. Visit Circular Materials – Waterloo Region for more information.

Star sticker

You’re a cart champion!

The star means you set out your carts correctly — thank you for helping keep collection safe, smooth, and efficient.

Here’s what you did right:

Park it: Place carts at the end of your driveway or boulevard (off the street) by 7 a.m.
Point it: Arrows facing the street, with the handle toward your house.
Space it: Leave at least two feet (0.6 m) of space on all sides so the truck can collect safely.
Close it: Lids fully closed.
Clear it: Nothing placed on top of the cart lid.
Tag it: Extra garbage bags were placed beside your garbage cart with the required garbage tags.

Keep up the great work!

Updates

2026 Waste Collection Calendar and Schedule

Your waste collection day has changed as of March.

To find your collection schedule, use the search bar in the top left of the map below to find your address:

You can also visit WasteWhiz online or the WasteWhiz app and enter your address in the calendar search box. Residents can sign up for collection schedule reminders.

Check the 2026 Waste Collection Calendar. Residents will receive a physical copy in the mail before March.

See the cart information kit with additional program details.

Residential curbside collection will have the following frequency:

Garbage collection (black carts) will remain every other week. Note: all households will receive garbage (black cart) collection the week of March 3 to 6.

Organics collection (green carts) will remain weekly.

Bulky item collection will move to once a month.

Yard waste collection will remain every other week, Spring to Fall.

Residential recycling, managed by Circular Materials, will move to every other week. Visit Circular Materials – Waterloo Region for more information.

If you need assistance, please check out our Curbside Waste Support Programs.

Cart delivery complete

If your household did not receive a cart set, or if there are items missing from your cart set, please fill out an inquiry form or call the Service First Contact Centre at 519-575-4400.

Submit a Cart Inquiry

Stay informed

Click on the +Follow button on the EngageWR page to receive EngageWR email updates.
Download the Region's free Waste Whiz App to receive reminders. Sign up for reminders by selecting 'Calendar', entering your address in the Waste Whiz, selecting the 'Get a reminder!' button and choosing your reminder method.
Follow us on social media at Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram.

Frequently asked questions

We know you have questions about the rollout for cart-based collection. Click the frequently asked questions link below to find answers on our EngageWR page.

Frequently asked questions

Background information

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.

Challenges with manual waste collection

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:

a limited labour pool as the work requires extensive physical labour;
working in adverse conditions due to nuisances, weather, type of work, and negative perceptions; and
health and safety risks with on-going lifting of heavy waste materials, and slips, trips and falls from exiting and entering a truck.

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

Health and safety to reduce injuries for workers
Efficiencies for stop times curbside which introduces opportunities for efficiencies in route logistics
Mitigating safety risks by having the driver inside the vehicle, using 360-degree cameras to view the area outside of the truck
Reduce litter from windy days, and pests
Staff recruitment for contractors, while diversifying the workforce

Municipalities using cart-based collection

Multiple municipalities across Ontario and Canada collect their waste with carts.

Some nearby examples are:

Council reports

February 7, 2023

Curbside Waste Collection Changes

May 7, 2024

Automated Cart-Based, and Manual Waste Collection, and Supply, Initial Distribution and On-Going Maintenance of Carts Within the Region of Waterloo

August 28, 2024

Downtown Waste Services Review

February 11, 2025

Communication and Implementation Plan for 2026 Curbside Waste Collection Change