The Region of Waterloo is transitioning to a new cart-based garbage and organic waste collection system, effective March 2026. This change, affecting 161,000 homes and 8,500 multi-family units, aims to improve uniformity, efficiency, and worker safety by reducing manual lifting. Residents will receive free black and green carts, and a food scraps container. The system will also shift to a four-day curbside collection schedule, and the 'Double Garbage Days' program will end.
Everything you need to know about Waterloo Region’s new garbage and organic cart system
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Region of Waterloo is transitioning to a new cart-based garbage and organic waste collection system, effective March 2026. This change, affecting 161,000 homes and 8,500 multi-family units, aims to improve uniformity, efficiency, and worker safety by reducing manual lifting. Residents will receive free black and green carts, and a food scraps container. The system will also shift to a four-day curbside collection schedule, and the 'Double Garbage Days' program will end.
- 1 Form for smaller black cart must be filled out (by Sept. 5)
- 2 New carts delivered to residents (before March 2026)
- 3 Region moves to four-day curbside collection schedule (March 2, 2026)
- 4 Updated waste calendar sent out (February 2026)
- 5 Residents can exchange carts once (Fall 2026)
- Changes waste collection methods for over 169,000 residential units
- Improved safety for waste collection workers
- End of the 'Double Garbage Days' program
- Potential increase in waste diversion through improved organic collection
What: The Region of Waterloo is implementing a new cart-based garbage and organic waste collection system.
When: Effective March 2026; carts delivered before March 2026; small cart selection deadline Sept. 5; first exchange in Fall 2026; updated calendar Feb 2026.
Where: Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
Why: To enhance uniformity and efficiency in waste collection, improve worker safety, and align with practices in neighboring municipalities.
How: By providing residents with free wheeled black carts (for garbage), green carts (for organics), and food scrap containers, and transitioning to a four-day curbside collection schedule. Emterra Environmental was awarded the collection contract.