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Garbage, recycling and collection in Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Waterloo, Ontario: garbage, recycling and collection. Find local rules, practical steps, useful answers and official service links.
Key information
Waterloo’s regional cart service needs enough space for the truck’s lifting arm. A coloured sticker explains many missed pickups. Use that message to fix the actual issue before submitting a service request.
On this page
At a glance
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| Who can help with Waterloo cart questions? | The Region of Waterloo lists carts@regionofwaterloo.ca and 519-575-4400 for cart service assistance. |
| What does a yellow sticker mean? | Wrong collection day. Check Waste Whiz, remove the material and set it out on the next correct date. |
| How heavy can an extra garbage or yard bag be? | The regional maximum for an extra tagged bag, bundle or yard waste bag or container is 23 kilograms. |
Sources: Curbside Collection | Region of Waterloo · Waste Collection Requirements | Region of Waterloo
Plan your next step
- Find your service
Check the address, building type and collector for the material.
- Sort and prepare
Use the local container, quantity, weight and set-out rules.
- Check the date
Use the address calendar and the correct reporting route if collection fails.
Collection, containers and dates
Who can help with Waterloo cart questions?
The Region of Waterloo lists carts@regionofwaterloo.ca and 519-575-4400 for cart service assistance.
How far apart should carts be?
Leave 0.6 metres between carts and between a cart and other objects. Point the arrows toward the street.
What does a white sticker mean?
It identifies an incorrect cart set-out, such as spacing, blocked access or wrong positioning.
Sorting and special services
What does a yellow sticker mean?
Wrong collection day. Check Waste Whiz, remove the material and set it out on the next correct date.
What does a blue sticker mean?
The contents were frozen when the truck came. Improve cart preparation and set the material out at the next eligible pickup.
What does a turquoise sticker mean?
The item or cart is too heavy. Large black carts have a 90-kilogram limit, small black carts 45 kilograms and green carts 38 kilograms.
Problems, exceptions and help
How heavy can an extra garbage or yard bag be?
The regional maximum for an extra tagged bag, bundle or yard waste bag or container is 23 kilograms.
When should empty containers be removed?
No later than 9 a.m. on the day after collection. Bring uncollected material back as well.
Can I request a different garbage cart size?
Yes. The curbside service links a cart exchange request if the existing size does not fit the household’s needs.
Does one truck collect every stream together?
No. Different materials can be collected at different times by separate trucks. Route timing can vary from week to week.
Local service links
These are the service sources used for this Waterloo guide. Use their current forms, calendars and notices when completing a task.
Sources: Curbside Collection | Region of Waterloo · Waste Collection Requirements | Region of Waterloo