Important Change Ahead: Recycling Collection Goes Every Other Week in Waterloo Region 2026
If you live in the Kitchener‑Waterloo area, this is one to note: the way recycling is collected is getting a major update in 2026. Whether you’re decluttering, prepping for the holidays or just want to keep things simple, knowing when things change is key.
What’s Changing – The Big Date
Starting March 3, 2026, recycling collection in Waterloo Region will shift to a bi‑weekly schedule (every other week) instead of weekly.
This shift aligns with broader changes at the provincial level and under the new program managed by Circular Materials.
What Stays the Same / What You Should Know Now
Your collection day won’t change (you’ll still put your blue box out on your regular day, just bi‑weekly).
Sorting rules remain the same for now (two‑box system: containers vs paper/plastic bags).
You’ll receive two additional blue recycling bins ahead of the switch to help handle more recyclables between collections.
Why This Matters (and Why It’s Happening)
Collecting every other week is part of streamlining the system and aligning with province‑wide standards.
The shift gives more space/time to sort and manage your recycling between pick‑ups—so you’re not stuck overflowing every week.
It’s a good time to evaluate your recycling habits: more time between collections means being smart about sorting, compacting and storing recyclables.
What You Can Do to Get Ready
Mark your calendar: March 3, 2026 is Day One for the new bi‑weekly recycling schedule.
Keep an eye out for extra blue bins arriving at your home (they’ll help during the transition).
Continue using your blue boxes (two‑box sort) weekly until the switch date. After that, you’ll only set them out every other week.
Use the Region’s resources: check regionofwaterloo.ca or apps like Waste Whiz for updates.
If your blue box fills up more quickly (holiday season, big clean‑out, etc.), consider holding recyclables inside until your next collection week.
Tell your neighbours—especially new residents. A friendly heads‑up helps everyone avoid bin confusion or overflow.
Change is coming, but it’s a change you can totally be ahead of. By knowing when your recycling day will shift and having the right setup, you’ll avoid surprises and keep your home in KW running smoothly. Need help figuring out which bin goes where, or prepping your house for the seasonal transitions? I’m happy to help with that too!