New garbage and curbside collection changes take effect today across Waterloo Region. Residents now use black bins for garbage and green bins for organic waste, with some collection days shifting under the updated schedule.
Updated Collection Schedule
The region adopts a four-day collection cycle from Tuesday to Friday, minimizing disruptions from holiday Mondays. Services operate on most holidays, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
This week, crews collect garbage, organics, and recycling on designated days. From next week, garbage and recycling switch to bi-weekly pickup, while organics remain weekly.
“We designed this approach to let everyone start fresh and adjust to the new program,” states Olivia Kwok, director of waste management for the region.
Automated Trucks Enhance Safety and Efficiency
Trucks now feature mechanical arms that lift carts, replacing manual handling. This shift addresses recruitment challenges, harsh working conditions, and safety risks in the waste sector.
Tips for Proper Cart Placement
Store new black and green carts anywhere on your property. Position them at the driveway edge or boulevard on collection day, ensuring two feet of clearance from vehicles, snow banks, or obstacles for smooth pickup.
What to Do with Old Bins
Reuse old garbage and green bins for yard waste or storage. For disposal, drop them off at regional waste management sites or upcoming municipal events for recycling. Alternatively, schedule them as bulky items, noting they count toward collection limits.
