Cart-based collection information nights
Throughout October, Waste Management will be holding four information nights at Region libraries in Wellesley, Ayr, Elmira, and New Hamburg.
These events are aimed at giving residents an opportunity to learn about the transition to cart-based collection, check out the carts in person and ask Region staff any questions they might have about the program. They will feature a short presentation and a time for Q and A.
Attendees will need to register.
Event information can be found on the Region of Waterloo Library website, and on the list of events on our EngageWR page.
Black cart selection has closed
All homes currently receiving Region waste collection had until the end of Friday, Sept. 5 to order the small black cart for garbage.
A green cart for organics and a large black cart for garbage will be delivered to all residents before collection starts in March.
Residents will be asked to use the black cart they receive for about six months. If, after that time, residents want to size up or down, they can request a one-time exchange, at no cost, starting in fall 2026.
To help residents prepare for cart-based collection, black and green carts are on display at various locations across the region.
In March 2026, the Region of Waterloo will be changing to cart-based collection for garbage and organics.
The Region provides curbside collection service to approximately 161,000 single-family homes, duplexes, and 3-to-6-unit buildings, as well as 8,500 multi-family units and townhouse complexes that meet truck-access criteria.
Currently, most of the collection is done manually, by lifting waste materials and placing them into the collection trucks. By switching to cart-based collection, the Region will improve worker safety, operational efficiency, and cut down on waste collection day litter.
Click on the +Follow button on the to receive EngageWR email updates. Download the Region's free to receive reminders. Sign up for reminders by selecting 'Calendar', entering your address in the Waste Whiz, selecting the 'Get a reminder!' button and choosing your reminder method. Follow us on social media at , , and .
Our Waste Management team will be out in the community at various events throughout the year, showing the new carts to residents and sharing information about cart-based collection.
Visit EngageWR for opportunities to meet the team!
If you can't make it out to an outreach event, cart displays can be found at the following locations:
Cambridge - Regional Administrative Building (150 Main St., Cambridge)
Cambridge - Langs Community Health Centre (1145 Concession Rd., Cambridge)
Kitchener - Kitchener City Hall (200 King St. W., Kitchener)
Kitchener - KPL Southwest Community Library (100 Rosenberg Wy., Kitchener)
Waterloo - RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex (2001 University Ave. E., Waterloo)
Waterloo - Waterloo City Hall (100 Regina St. S., Waterloo)
Woolwich - Woolwich Memorial Centre (24 Snyder Ave. S., Elmira)
Wellesley - Wellesley Township Recreational Complex (1401 Queens Bush Rd., Wellesley)
Wilmot - Wilmot Recreational Complex (1291 Nafziger Rd Unit #1, Baden)
North Dumfries - North Dumfries Community Complex (2958 Greenfield Rd., Ayr)
Region of Waterloo Headquarters - 150 Frederick St., Kitchener
* Locations may change *
Residents will receive one black cart, one green cart and one food scrap container before March 2026. These carts are free. Information kits will be provided with the carts and include instructions and tips on cart usage.
Carts and food scrap containers will be delivered free of charge to residential properties before March of 2026.
Cart sizes
The large black cart fits the equivalent of three full bags of garbage, and the small cart fits the equivalent of one full bag of garbage.
If they don't choose a smaller cart, they will receive a large cart. There is only one size for the green cart and food scraps container.
?Large black cart:
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:
62 cm (D) x 48 cm (W) x 96 cm (H)
Volume: 120 litres
Weight limit: 100 pounds, or 45.4 kilograms
Green cart:
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
The food scraps container comes in one size.
Measurements: 30 cm (D) x 22 cm (W) x 24 cm (H)
Frequently asked questions
We know you have questions about the rollout for cart-based collection. Click the link below to find answers on our EngageWR page.
Email us at [email protected] the Service First Contact Centre at 519-575-4400.