Everything you need to know about Waterloo Region’s new garbage and organic cart system

The Region of Waterloo will be moving to a cart-based garbage collection system in March 2026.

The region said the new wheeled carts will bring some uniformity and efficiency to weekly waste collection. It will also make it easier and safer for workers, who lift hundreds of heavy bins and bags every day.

The change will affect 161,000 homes, duplexes and low-rise buildings, as well as 8,500 multi-family units and townhouse complexes.

The system is already being used by several neighbouring municipalities, including Guelph, Toronto, Peel Region, Simcoe County, Barrie, Halton Region and Kingston.

Here is everything you need to know about the switch.

New carts

Residents will get one black cart and one green cart for food scraps.

All three will be provided for free.

The region said the black cart fits the equivalent of three full bags of garbage.

The measurements are as follows:

Large black cart

• Dimensions: 69 cm (D) x 68 cm (W) x 111 cm (H)
• Volume: 240 litres
• Weight limit: 200 pounds (or 90.7 kilograms)

Green cart

• Dimensions: 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

• Dimensions: 30 cm (D) x 22 cm (W) x 24 cm (H)

Alternatively, residents can swap out the large black cart for a smaller one.

The region said it fits the equivalent of one full bag of garbage.

Small black cart

• Dimensions: 62 cm (D) x 48 cm (W) x 96 cm (H)
• Volume: 120 litres
• Weight limit: 100 pounds (or 45.4 kilograms)

Getting the new carts

The new carts will be delivered to residents before March 2026.

Choosing your size

Each address will automatically receive one large black cart. There is no need to contact the region if this is the option you prefer.

If, however, residents want to opt for the smaller black cart, they need to use the region’s online cart selection tool. Residents are advised to use the address listed on their property tax bill. If the address does not appear, the region suggested clicking the “Need Help” button or calling the contact centre at 519-575-4400.

The form for the smaller cart must be filled out by Sept. 5.

The green cart and food scrap container only come in one size.

Changing your mind

Black cart sizes are set and cannot be changed after Sept. 5.

The region asks that residents use whatever size they receive for at least six months.

After that time, they can decide if they want to size down or swap their smaller black cart for a larger one.

Residents can exchange their cart once – at no cost – in fall 2026.

Unsure what size you want?

Various events will be held around the region to show off the new carts.

Displays have also been set up throughout the municipality. You can find a list of locations here.

Collection day changes

The region will move to a four-day curbside collection schedule on March 2, 2026. Garbage and food scraps will not be picked up on Mondays.

“This avoids most holiday pick-up days and gives flexibility by having a make-up day, if collections are delayed or cancelled due to extreme weather,” the region said on its website.

The frequency of collection will not change.

The region said an updated waste calendar will be sent out to homes in February 2026.

Putting carts out at the curb

When putting out the new carts, arrows on the lid will indicate which side must face the street.

There must be two feet between carts or other large objects (such as trees, cars, etc.)

Lids must be closed securely.

Do not put the carts on top of, or behind, snowbanks during the winter.

Protecting your carts

All carts belong to the Region of Waterloo.

Each one is given a unique ID, associated with the address it was assigned to.

The region suggests writing your address on the side in permanent marker.

What about blue bins?

The region is not responsible for blue bin collection, thus there are no changes to recycling rules.

Pet waste disposal

Pet waste can be put into the green cart.

The region said it must be bagged in a certified compostable or paper bag.

End of double garbage days

The Double Garbage Days program will end in March 2026.

Other types of curbside collection

Bulky items, yard waste and Christmas tree collection are not affected by the new system.

The existing “bag tag” program for excess garbage is also not affected.

Additional carts

Each residence will get one black cart and one green cart.

No additional carts are available at this time.

Reducing garbage bag waste

There is no need to purchase garbage bags, waste can be put directly into the cart.

What do to with the old bins?

Residents are encouraged to reuse their old garbage bins as yard waste containers. Alternatively, they can be put out at the curb as a bulky item after the new system launches in March. Please secure a sign stating: “Garbage please take.”

Green bins, meanwhile, can be reused as storage for soil, mulch or winter salt. Unwanted green bins can also be returned to the region. A drop-off date will be announced at a later date.

What’s the cost of the new system?

Emterra Environmental was awarded an eight-year contract for service in Waterloo Region, at a cost of $285 million.