‘Getting better’: Region working out kinks of new waste collection program
Posted Mar 4, 2026 03:37:52 PM.
Last Updated Mar 6, 2026 04:57:04 PM.
“It won’t be perfect at first,” when it comes to the new cart-based waste collection system that kicked off this week in the Region of Waterloo.
That’s according to one of the regional councillors who helps oversee waste services, who acknowledges the problems that have turned up in this first week.
Colleen James, the chair of the sustainability, infrastructure and development committee, said “we are in transition.”
She noted in an Instagram post that there were some delays on the first day of collection—Tuesday.
“I know that the change that is happening… it can be an inconvenience, but this is something that I think at some point, we will get used to.”
The message from the region echoed what James had said.
Director of Waste Management, Olivia Kwok, told 570 NewsRadio it’s not just residents getting used to the new system; so are the workers.
“We need to recognize that the drivers are starting a new way of doing their work. A week, two weeks ago, they were manually collecting the waste, the bags by hand. Now they’re using a piece of equipment,” said Kwok. “It does take a bit of time to get into the rhythm and get into the process of getting more comfortable.”
While the drivers have been getting a feel for the new equipment, they are also dealing with a heavy workload for this first week of collection.
“Because we wanted to give everyone that fresh start with the new program, they’re collecting garbage for the whole region,” said Kwok. “That does take more resources, staff, equipment so that has tied to have been accommodated this week.”
The regular collection schedule sees waste and recycling collection on alternate weeks.
Despite the delays, the public appears to have taken the change in stride. A major difference from the reaction faced by some municipal snowplow operators who reported residents hurling curse words, insults and in a couple of cases, snow shovels, at the drivers.
Kwok said the public’s reaction has been the opposite of that.
“We’ve heard from residents who say they gave a big thumbs-up to the driver, gave a good wave just to show some appreciation and support to them as they navigate through this change in how they work.”
To help get on track, the region deployed 19 extra collection trucks on Wednesday to help alleviate the backlog.
If your carts were missed Thursday or Friday, leave them at the curb, as collection crews will be working on Saturday, March 7 to help tackle the delays.
If your carts were missed on Tuesday or Wednesday, fill out this form to request assistance.
Should you have further questions, the Region has made a host of information about the cart-based system available online.
