"The Garbage Man Can!" (pt 1)
Waterloo Region prepares for a new waste collection system in 2026
Be prepared for several references in this post to what I consider one of The Simpsons’ top 10 episodes. If you’re not familiar with it (or even if you are), do yourself a favour and watch this clip.
Some big changes are coming to our Region’s waste diversion and collection processes - so many, in fact, that it looks like I will need 3 posts to properly dive into the issue! We will look at the long-term waste strategy, as well as how the province’s rules about recycling collection will impact Waterloo Region. But first, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening with garbage and green bin collection.
Perhaps you have heard or seen the Region’s public education campaign about upcoming waste collection changes, including an option to choose a smaller garbage collection cart. Unlike the Simpsons, it seems the Region couldn’t get U2 to lead the media campaign, so local radio personalities stepped in instead :) The deadline to select the smaller cart is today (September 5th). A smaller cart holds one standard garbage bag whereas the larger (default) cart, holds 3. You do not need to place garbage into a bag and then into the cart, though you can.
The reason everyone requires new garbage and green bins is because the Region is shifting to automated waste collection, following the lead of several other nearby municipalities including Guelph, Barrie, and Toronto. Waste collection trucks will have a mechanical arm, controlled by the driver, which will grab and lift the bins, dumping their contents into the truck.
Currently, that work is mostly completed manually, often with two workers per truck. The constant lifting and tossing of garbage bags and other heavy items, along with hopping on and off the truck, takes a toll on staff. “It’s really physically demanding,” said Olivia Kwok, director of waste management at the Region of Waterloo. “It’s really hard to find folks that are able to do the work nonstop.”
There are lots of reasons to create safer working conditions for staff, including, as the Simpsons clip above notes, “the sanitation folks are jolly, friendly blokes!” In addition to safer working conditions for staff, the Region hopes this transition will “improve pest control, prevent litter and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” The new fleet will run on compressed natural gas instead of diesel.
In May 2024, Regional Council approved the automated cart system deal which sees Oakville-based Emterra Environmental taking responsibility for garbage and compostable materials pick-up in Waterloo Region. Emterra is already responsible for garbage collection in Waterloo Region’s townships. “The $284-million contract, signed for eight years, will come with a one-time cost of $25.7 million for cart distribution.” Fortunately, this program isn’t headed by Homer Simpson and won’t spend the entire year’s budget in just one month!
This is no small undertaking. According to the February 2025 staff report, “The upcoming curbside waste collection changes will impact over 165,000 residential properties and 1,500 Downtown Business Improvement Area properties in the Region.” It’s worth noting however, that most apartments and condo buildings do not receive Region waste services. As noted on the Region’s website, “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.”
Eligible properties will receive one black waste collection bin and one green organics bin prior to March 2026. However, these are not to be used until March 2nd. The staff report notes that, “Switching to a cart-based collection for garbage and organics will require education on sorting, storage, and how to set out the carts (e.g. location, spacing, avoiding obstructions, etc.) alongside other materials such as bulky items, yard waste and Christmas trees.”
When using the new carts, ensure that you place them on your boulevard or driveway with about 2 feet between the containers to allow the truck’s arm to access each bin. Waste does not have to be placed in bags before placing in the cart, except for pet waste. Residents are only permitted one black cart for waste and one green cart for organics. Additional waste will be collected if placed in garbage bags with a bag tag.
Also, the new (taller) green bins “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.”
If you’re not happy with the size of your waste cart, in the fall of 2026, residents will have a one-time opportunity to switch to the other sized cart. “Properties will request a change on the website provided by the contractor, or through contacting the Service First Contact Centre during a specified period in 2026. On-going maintenance of the carts (repair, replacements and exchanges) will be available, but limits and restrictions may apply.”
Olivia Kwok, manager of waste collection and diversion, reminds residents that the blue box program, yard waste bag, Christmas trees and heavy item pickups will stay the same. (In a future post, I’ll share more on upcoming provincial changes and how they’ll likely impact our Blue Box program).
Stay informed:
Follow the project on the EngageWR page to receive email updates.
Download the Region's free Waste Whiz App to receive reminders.
Follow along on social media at Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram.
Staff reports:
February 7, 2023 - Curbside Waste Collection Changes
August 28, 2024 - Downtown Waste Services Review
February 11, 2025 - Communication and Implementation Plan for 2026 Curbside Waste Collection Change
June 13, 2025 - 2026 Curbside Collection Changes Update
A short thread on some of the ups and downs of green bin use in Waterloo Region:
Upcoming Events:
Doors Open: Waterloo Region | Saturday, September 20th, 2025 | 10:00-4:00 | Free
“This year, sites include three churches, two architects’ studios, a quantum physics institute, a fire station, a world-class research centre, a behind-the-scenes look at a television studio, a creative workspace built in 1880, a former jail, a cannery, city archives, three museums and the iconic Pioneer Tower.”
Dig out those old roller skates as a new roller rink is coming this fall to 563 Highland Road! Click to follow along for updates.
Bestival Season is just around the corner. Put September 12th and 13th in your calendar and get ready to hear some of the best local music around as well as enjoy art and food vendors, too!
I’m a big fan of the ion and we need to ensure phase 2 gets built. Follow IONizeWR for updates and opportunities to engage and advocate for great transit options in Waterloo Region.
I will have more posts on the Region’s waste and recycling collection - if there’s a question you’d like answered, pop it into the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer it in a future post.
As always, thanks for reading!
Please say that there are forthcoming plans to switch the blue bins to carts as well. From a user perspective, the blue bins are AWFUL— just the amount of stuff that blows out of them on a windy day alone! I’ve got a serious envy problem of my Toronto friends with their nice three-bin system!
Thanks for the super-helpful information as always Melissa. I'm curious to know how the new system will cope with people who chronically use the street as a parking lot, including my neighbour who parks his huge work truck in front of my house every single day and often for days on end. Will the system be able to reach around all these cars to pick up waste? I already watch the poor collectors have to find their way through the mess every week. Also, will the new more efficient system result in layoffs?