Collection issues: Oops stickers

Oops stickers are an educational tool to help inform residents of an issue and help guide them. Check the Waste Whiz search tool for sorting and preparation details and download our Waste Whiz app to access to your calendar and get reminders. 

Pink = Not allowed 

An item may be not allowed for collection because it is not accepted in our programs, is improperly prepared, is in the incorrect container (including the old green bin), is a health and safety issue, or there may be By-law requirements

Orange = Not bundled properly 

Items like flooring and wood (nails removed), branches and carpet have to be cut to size and tied correctly so that collection crews can pick them up safely and to ensure bundles can fit into the collection vehicle. The bundles can be a maximum of 3 feet in length. 

Turquoise = Too heavy 

  • The weight of the large black garbage cart cannot exceed 200 pounds (90 kilograms).

  • The weight of the small black garbage cart cannot exceed 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
  • The weight of the green organics cart cannot exceed 85 pounds (38 kilograms).
  • Each extra tagged garbage bag, bundle and yard waste bag/container must be no heavier than 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
  • The maximum weight for a bulky item is 200 pounds (90 kilograms). Some items such as pool tables, cast iron bathtubs and pianos, exceed the weight limit and are not collected at the curb.

Purple = Too many 

This sticker is used when the limit for bulky items has been exceeded. The bulky item limit per collection is as follows: 

  • Single Family Home = 3 items
  • Duplex (2 units) = 6 items
  • Small buildings (3 to 6 units) = 10 items 

Please remove the item(s) from the curb that were not collected and set it out on your next collection day or drop off items at one of our waste management sites (fees will apply).

Blue = Contents were frozen 

Contents were frozen at the time of collection. 

  • Make sure your carts and yard waste containers are clean and dry before you place materials inside. 
  • Place a paper egg carton or balled up newsprint at bottom of your green cart before lining the cart. 
  • Drain liquids before placing organics in a liner bag.
  • Loosen liner bag(s) when setting the green cart to the curb.

Yellow = Wrong day  

Please confirm your correct collection day here

Remove your item(s) from the curb and put them back out on your next scheduled collection day. 

White = Incorrect cart set out  

Carts need to be 2 feet (0.6 meters) from any other object, placed at ground level with the arrows pointing to the street, and accessible to the collection vehicle. Do not place items on top of cart lids. 

Green = Incorrect extra garbage bag set out 

Extra garbage bag(s) need to have a garbage tag around the neck and be placed beside the black garbage cart. Garbage cans are not accepted for extra garbage. Do not place items on top of cart lids.

If you set an artificial tree to the curb, it will be collected as a bulky item. 

Contact Us

Region of Waterloo
150 Frederick St.
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3
Telephone: 519-575-4400
Fax: 519-575-4481

For general inquiries:
Regionalinquiries@regionofwaterloo.ca