Residents in Waterloo Region who did not have their waste carts collected last week are being asked to set them out again Monday morning as officials respond to delays tied to the launch of the region’s new collection system.
In an update shared Sunday afternoon, the region said there is no regular waste pickup scheduled for Sunday or Monday. Still, households affected by missed collection from earlier in the week should return their carts to the curb by 7 a.m. on Monday, March 9, while staff review unresolved service reports.
Missed pickups follow rocky system launch
The request comes after a difficult start to Waterloo Region’s new cart-based waste program, which has led to reports of delayed and missed collection in several areas. Regional officials said waste management staff are reviewing individual complaints and will contact affected residents with further instructions where needed.
The region has said a third-party contractor is handling collection under the new system. To address ongoing problems, additional trucks were brought in earlier in the week to improve service levels and help crews catch up.
Guidance for residents putting carts out
Officials are also reminding residents to place carts correctly to avoid further issues during pickup. The region advises leaving about two feet of space between carts, pointing the arrow on the lid toward the street, keeping the handle facing the home, and making sure the lid is fully closed.
For organics carts, residents can leave the lid locked because it will open during collection. Bags may still be used inside the carts, including compostable bags or paper liners for green bins, though loose material can also be placed directly inside.
Under the new system, collection trucks use a mechanical arm to lift carts and empty them into separate sections for garbage and organic material. The region has also introduced a lighthearted incentive for proper set-out, with some residents receiving gold star stickers when bins are placed correctly.
The latest update reflects the pressure on crews and contractors as Waterloo Region continues adjusting to a major change in how waste is collected. For residents still waiting on service, Monday’s pickup window is now the next key step in clearing the backlog.
Source: CTV News,
Original reporting by Shelby Knox.
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