Region hiring 18 temporary staff as it transitions toward automated waste collection

In one of the first moves towards automated waste collection, the Region of Waterloo is bringing in 18 new temporary workers to aid in the large transition.

The move will shift from the current system, where a collector jumps out of a truck, slings the trash into the back, and continues to the next stop. Instead, the truck driver will park next to bins on the side of the road, and a robotic arm will extend out, grab the bins, and dump the trash inside.

Other regions across the province are already implementing similar programs including Toronto, Guelph, Barrie and more.

The new system is said to impact approximately 165,000 residential properties and close to 1,500 downtown businesses.

Those staff members will be brought on over the next two years, focusing on planning, implementing, and monitoring the new program once it goes into effect. The team will consist of four part-time staff members, four contract waste coordinators and upwards of 10 co-op students.

Officials with the region say the updated program will help in eliminating litter on street sides from gusting winds and rodents, along with boosting the overall health and safety of waste collection workers.

The new automated waste collection system will be going into effect next year on March 2, 2026.