What Goes Where? Understanding New Garbage, Green Bin & Recycling Rules for 2026
If you've been following along (and judging by the 2+ million views on my garbage cart videos—you have! ), you already know big changes are coming to how we sort and store our waste in Kitchener-Waterloo.
But as 2026 inches closer, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty:
What goes in which bin, where to store them, and what to do if your bin takes off in a windstorm.
Let’s break it down, keep it simple, and yes—we’ve even got a “bin blunders” section at the end. Because of course we do.
What’s Changing in 2026?
The Region of Waterloo is moving to a two-cart curbside system for all single-family households starting March 2026.
You’ll get:
A black garbage cart
A green organic waste cart
Each has gravity-lock lids, wheels, and standardized sizes so waste collection is easier (and raccoons stay baffled).
Deliveries are happening between September 2025 and February 2026 — no need to request them; they’ll just show up!
All the deets here: Region of Waterloo Cart Info
What Goes Where?
Black Garbage Cart:
Anything that can’t go in the green bin or recycling.
Includes diapers, certain plastics, foam trays, etc.
Tip: Try to keep this one as empty as possible.
Green Organics Cart:
Food waste, meat, bones, paper towels, coffee grounds.
No plastic bags (unless certified compostable), and no yard waste—that’s still separate.
What’s the Deal with Gravity Locks?
The green bins come with a gravity lock that stays closed until the bin is flipped upside down by the collection truck.
That means:
✅ It’s locked from raccoons, squirrels, and that one mystery possum.
✅ No need to unlock it manually—just wheel it to the curb!
✅ It stays locked if tipped over by wind or nosy animals.
Where Should You Store Your Bins?
Bins should be stored on your property, not on the curb or sidewalk.
Keep them somewhere easily accessible—like a side yard or garage.
On pickup days, place them 1 metre apart with the lid opening facing the street.
Bin Blunders to Avoid
Let’s be real—there’s going to be an adjustment period. Here are a few “oopsies” you might want to avoid:
“I left my green bin beside the firepit and melted it.”
True story. These things aren’t fireproof, folks.“My bin blew across the street and I didn’t realize it for two days.”
Label your bins with your address. Trust me, it's worth it.“I left the lid unlocked and a raccoon moved in.”
Always keep that gravity lock engaged and lid shut tight!
What If My Bin Goes Missing?
Don’t worry—if your bin gets damaged or disappears, you can request a replacement through the Region of Waterloo.
The 2026 bin rollout is a big step toward a cleaner, more efficient Waterloo Region—but like any change, there’s a learning curve.
The good news? With a little info (and a sense of humour), you'll be rolling like a waste-sorting pro in no time.
And if you ever see me filming another bin video on the street… feel free to wave!