Carts are equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to assign the carts to the correct address. They help confirm that you’ve received waste collection and assist in locating lost carts so they can be returned to the right address.

Each registered unit will receive one garbage cart. Two green carts will be shared between the 3-6 units. Additional green carts can be requested up to the number of units.

If you miss the October request period, you will still be able to change your cart size in the future. Fees may apply to future cart exchanges. More information will be shared at a later date.

If you are a tenant in a 2–6 unit property that receives Regional waste collection, only the property owner can order the number and size of carts required.

If you live in an apartment/condo building or housing complex that does not currently receive Regional waste collection, you’ll continue with your current waste management services.

The Region's cart-based collection is only for properties that receive Region waste services.

As of March 2024, the Region of Waterloo no longer provides residential blue box recycling.

Under the province’s new framework, Circular Materials has taken over the financial and operational responsibility for the residential blue box program, making producers fully accountable for the end-of-life management of blue box materials.

Residential recycling will continue in our community through Circular Materials and remains an important service to reduce waste at our landfill.

Circular Materials is not involved in the Region’s transition to residential cart-based collection for garbage and organics.

When cart-based collection begins in March 2026, you will continue to use blue boxes.

Some changes to Circular Material's recycling program are coming next year. For details and updates, please visit Circular Materials – Waterloo Region.

You can also email Circular Materials at customerservice@circularmaterials.ca, or call 1-877-667-2626.

Yes, you can starting on October 5, 2026.

No. Additional black garbage carts are not available for purchase.

On the occasion you have more garbage than can fit in your black cart, bag tags remain available for purchase and can be used for extra garbage bags that are set out for collection outside of your black cart.

The large black cart has a capacity of 240 litres, and a weight limit of 200 pounds, which is higher than the current weight limit of 150 pounds.

Additionally, with the introduction of carts in March 2026, bag/garbage container limits will no longer apply.

You will be able to fill your carts up to the maximum weight capacity, but please ensure the lids are fully closed for collection.

We encourage households to use their blue boxes and green cart to sort properly and divert waste from the landfill.

If you have excess garbage, you’ll have to use the garbage bag tag program.

As of March 2024, the Region of Waterloo no longer provides residential blue box recycling.

Under the province’s new framework, Circular Materials has taken over the financial and operational responsibility for the residential blue box program, making producers fully accountable for the end-of-life management of blue box materials.

Residential recycling will continue in our community through Circular Materials and remains an important service to reduce waste at our landfill.

Circular Materials is not involved in the Region’s transition to residential cart-based collection for garbage and organics.

When cart-based collection begins in March 2026, you will continue to use blue boxes.

Some changes to Circular Material's recycling program are coming next year. For details and updates, please visit Circular Materials – Waterloo Region.

You can also email Circular Materials at customerservice@circularmaterials.ca, or call 1-877-667-2626.

Free bag tags were not part of the implementation plan approved by Region council.

However, any tags you currently have do not expire, and you’re able to use them when you need.

Single-family homes, duplexes, 3-to-6-unit buildings, and multi-family units and townhouses that meet truck-access criteria.

In August of 2024, Regional Council approved the expansion of the tri-city downtown collection service to the full extent of each downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA). These areas will receive Region-administered garbage, organics and recycling service.

For more information about the Downtown Waste Collection Changes, see the related Council Report.

Items such as bulky or large metal items, yard waste will continue to be collected manually due to the variable quantity of waste and size limit of a cart for large items.

The Region of Waterloo offers an assisted waste collection service for residents who are unable to place their waste containers to the curb due to a temporary or permanent mobility challenge or disability.

Residents who require assistance should contact the Region to determine their eligibility for the program and learn about available service options.

The Region of Waterloo’s Medical Exemption Program supports residents who regularly generate additional garbage (such as incontinence products, or unrecyclable medical packaging) due to a temporary or permanent medical condition.

Approved applicants receive 30 garbage bag tags per year at no charge. Extra garbage bags must be tagged and placed beside the garbage cart.

For more information or to apply for our Medical Exemption Program, please visit our website or reach out to the Service First Contact Centre at 519-575-4400.

The existing garbage bag tag program will continue for excess garbage. If you have excess garbage, you must use a garbage tag (placed around the neck of the garbage bag) and place the bags beside the garbage cart. Do not place the bags on top of the cart.

Carts are tied to the properties they’re delivered to, so if you move, you would leave them behind.

If your new residence receives Region waste collection services, there should be carts already in place.

If the carts at the new property are not the size that works for your household’s needs, you will contact the Region within three months of occupancy for a cart size change.

Check out our cart information kit to learn more.

Large black cart: Fits the equivalent of three full bags of garbage.

Measurements:

69 cm (D) x 68 cm (W) x 111 cm (H)

Volume: 240 litres

Weight limit: 200 pounds, or 90.7 kilograms

Small black cart: Fits the equivalent of one full bag of garbage. The small black cart is optional, and can be chosen by residents if they prefer a smaller size.

Measurements:

62 cm (D) x 48 cm (W) x 96 cm (H)

Volume: 120 litres

Weight limit: 100 pounds, or 45.4 kilograms

Green cart: One size only.

Measurements:

62 cm (D) x 48 cm (W) x 98 cm (H)

Volume: 100 litres

Weight limit: 85 pounds, or 38.6 kilograms.

Food scraps container: One size only.

Measurements: 30 cm (D) x 22 cm (W) x 24 cm (H)

Put your garbage directly into the black cart and place your black cart out on the curb on your regular collection day by 7 a.m.

Garbage bags are not required, but residents can continue to use them if they wish.

Garbage bags are not required, but residents can continue to use them if they wish. Any colour of bag can be used.

With the introduction of carts in March 2026, bag/garbage container limits will no longer apply.

You will be able to fill your carts up to the maximum weight capacity, but please ensure the lids are fully closed for collection.

We encourage households to use their blue boxes and green bins to sort properly and divert waste from the landfill.

Put your organic waste in the green cart and place your cart out on the curb on your regular collection day by 7 a.m.

The material we currently collect in your green bin will be the same material we collect in your green cart starting March 2026.

It is recommended to bag your food waste using certified compostable or paper bags to help keep your cart clean.

However, it is not mandatory to bag your waste. Biodegradable or plastic bags are not allowed in the green cart.

The Region of Waterloo is providing cart dimensions to any retailers who request them.

We recommend checking with your local grocery stores, hardware stores or online retailers for liners as rollout continues.

You can also reach out directly to your favourite store to ask if they plan to stock liners.

Typically, retail stores begin offering these products closer to the launch of a new program.

Smaller kitchen-catcher-sized bags will also be accepted in the green cart, and paper yard waste bags are accepted as well.

Residents can store the carts in the same place they currently store their waste. If residents do not have enough space, they can store their carts in their backyard, in a shed or against the side of their house.

Check your local municipal property standard by-laws before storing your carts outside. The green cart has a pest-resistant lock to reduce issues with pests.

We understand that some properties have limited storage space. The Region of Waterloo will be sharing storage tips as rollout continues.

Carts cannot be stored on public boulevards, bike lanes, or on the road.

Yes, pet waste is acceptable in the green cart, but must be bagged using a certified compostable bag or paper bag before placing in the cart.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to keep the carts clean.

Here are a few helpful tips:

• Using a certified compostable bag or paper bag in your green cart will help eliminate odour and keep your carts clean.
• Rinse out your carts with water, ensure you drain the water on grass or gravel to make sure it does not enter the storm drain.
• Mix one part vinegar and three parts water and rinse your cart out with this mixture to eliminate all odours.

The carts have a 10-year warranty and will be repaired or replaced if damaged from regular use. Submit a request here.

On collection day, carts must be set out on the curb/mouth of your driveway by 7 a.m. The front of the cart (as marked by arrows on the lids) must be facing the road.

The carts must be at least two feet apart, and there must be at least two feet between the carts and other objects (trees, cars, etc.)

Avoid placing the carts near any obstacles (basketball nets, parked cars, trees, etc.). Do not overstuff the carts and ensure that the lid closes. You do not need to unlock the green cart as the lock will automatically open when it is tipped into the truck.

In the winter, clear out an area on the curb/ mouth of your driveway in front of your property and place the carts there. Do not place the carts on top of or behind snowbanks.

If you have a long driveway, as many of our rural residents do, you may choose to leave your carts near the end of your driveway and transfer your materials to your carts as needed.

Carts are also much easier to roll out to the curb.

Rural communities across Ontario, including Timmins, Sudbury and Simcoe County are already utilizing carts successfully.

The existing garbage bag tag program will continue for excess garbage. If you have excess garbage, you must use a garbage tag (placed around the neck of the garbage bag) and place the bags beside the garbage cart. Do not place the bags on top of the cart.

Carts must be accessible at the time of collection. To ensure your carts get collected, it is recommended that the carts are placed on the curb/mouth of the driveway.

Yes. The free cart exchange program is only available to residents receiving curbside cart collection service.

Submit a request online between October 5 and October 31, or call the Region for assistance. Once your request is received, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions. Your cart will be exchanged directly at your property. Simply place your current cart out as instructed and it will be replaced with your new cart.

During the exchange period identified in your confirmation email, leave your cart in a visible location on your property that is accessible from the road. Do not place it at the curb where regular collection occurs, unless it is your collection day.

Exchanges will take place in November. Residents who submit a request will receive a confirmation email with instructions and details about their scheduled cart exchange.

No. Cart exchanges take place at your property. Please do not bring your cart to a Region facility.

Continue using your current cart until your exchange takes place. Watch for updates and instructions in your confirmation email.

Fees may apply to future cart exchanges. More information will be shared at a later date.

You may receive a gently used cart that has been inspected, cleaned and approved for reuse.