Waterloo region is rolling out new garbage and green carts next year. Here's what you need to know

The Region of Waterloo is rolling out a new cart-based system for trash and green waste.

Starting in March 2026, people will use a green bin for organics and black carts for garbage disposal. Staff have launched an educational campaign now to get residents ready for the switch.

Olivia Kwok, manager of waste collection and diversion with the region in southern Ontario, says the timing was right to move to a cart-based collection for garbage and organics.

"Our current and existing contract is coming to an end," Kwok told CBC News. "So this was a great opportunity for us to revise our program and to follow best management practices in order to provide waste services."

Rather than having a worker pick up garbage bags to throw into a truck, the carts will be lifted by the trucks, which the region says "will improve worker safety and operational efficiency."

Everything else stays the same

The region notes the blue box program, yard waste bag, Christmas trees and heavy item pickups will stay the same.

In the next year, the region will distribute the new bins to 161,000 single family homes, duplexes and buildings with between three to six units. As well, 8,500 multi-family units and townhouse complexes will get the bins. 

Kwok says users will have the option of deciding whether they want a large or small black cart by June or July of this year.

"The region will be offering two different sizes. We have the large, which is equivalent to our current three bag limit and we also have a small which is about one bag," Kwok says.

"Large is the default size. If residents would rather choose a smaller garbage cart, we have that option as well."

The new green bins, which are taller in size from the current ones, come with a lock that will automatically unlatch when the waste truck lifts it at a certain angle.

A food scraps container will also come with the green cart that residents will be able to use inside.

WATCH | A new look for curbside collection in Waterloo region:

A new look for curbside collection in Waterloo region

1 day ago

Duration 2:14

Starting in March 2026, people in Waterloo region will use a new cart-based program to collect organics and garbage. CBC K-W's Joe Pavia spoke with Olivia Kwok, the region's manager of waste collection and diversion, about how the new black and green carts will work.