How does Waterloo Region’s new waste cart system work?

CTV’s Krista Simpson gets a look at how the new waste cart system works, and what home owners need to keep in mind.

Waterloo Region is rolling out its new waste cart collection system on March 3.

Garbage and organic waste will be picked up by trucks with mechanical arms that will lift the carts and dump their contents into the vehicle. The operator typically remains inside the truck, operating the arms with a joystick.

When putting out garbage, residents should place the carts with about two feet, or approximately an arm’s length of space, between them.

The arrow on the lid should point to the street, the handle should point toward the home, and the lid should be closed. The lid on the green organics carts can also remain locked, as it will open during the tipping process.

Bags can be used inside the carts (compostable bags or paper liners in the case of the green organics bin), or loose items can be placed directly inside.

The truck’s mechanical arm dumps the carts into an area that has two different sections: one for organic materials and the other for waste.

The trucks also have cameras so that the operator can ensure nothing hazardous is being mixed in with the garbage.

“So if there’s anything like a propane tank or something dangerous, the operator would be able to retrieve it,” explained Olivia Kwok, director of Waste Management at the Region of Waterloo.

Under the new system, waste will be picked up four days a week instead of five, with residents urged to double check their collection day as it may have changed. That information can be found on the map at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/carts, through the Waste Whiz app, or in an information booklet that has been mailed to residents.

The changes will impact about 170,000 households in Waterloo Region.

As people get used to the new process, there will be a team out in parts of the region, going ahead of the trucks to make sure the carts are positioned properly.

“They will adjust as needed and also give tips and suggestions for a successful collection in the future,” Kwok said.

Those who may have difficulty with things like maneuvering the new carts can apply for support programs the region offers, such as assisted waste collection. Details on how to apply can be found at Curbside Waste Support Programs - Region of Waterloo

Kwok said most people should be able to put out their carts at the end of their driveway or on the boulevard, but those with properties that pose unusual challenges can reach out to the region to explore solutions or accommodations.

For the first week, households will receive both garbage and organics collection. Afterwards the schedule will be:

• Garbage collection (black carts) every other week
• Organics collection (green carts) weekly
• Bulky item collection will move to once a month
• Yard waste collection will remain every other week, spring to fall

Recycling (blue box) is now managed separately by Circular Materials. Pick up is moving to every other week, opposite of garbage collection.