Residents in Waterloo region will see a change in their recycling collection schedule starting in March 2026. The adjustment to a bi-weekly pick-up system was announced during a recent regional council meeting where Jennifer Kerr, representing Circular Materials, discussed the modifications to the blue box program.
According to Kerr, the new collection schedule will involve recycling pick-up every other week, aligning with the opposite week of regular garbage collection. To facilitate this change, residents will receive two additional recycling bins by mid-January at no extra cost. These extra bins can be stacked to optimize space usage.
Kerr emphasized the importance of informing residents well in advance to allow for adequate preparation before the implementation in March. Additionally, as of March 3, all blue box collection in the region will be managed by Miller Waste in Cambridge. Residents who find they do not require the extra recycling bins can return them to Miller Waste’s location on Eagle Street in Cambridge.
These alterations to the blue box program coincide with the introduction of garbage and organic carts in Waterloo region in March. The responsibility for these carts lies with the region. Furthermore, Allen Langdon, CEO of Circular Materials, mentioned upcoming provincial changes effective January 1, including the expansion of acceptable items in blue bins to encompass various products like beverage cups, deodorant packaging, toothpaste tubes, ice cream tubs, and more. This unified list of recyclables will be applicable across the province, ensuring consistency in recycling practices.