Black Garbage Cart Exchanges

This exchange is for property owners of single-family households (one unit) who receive the Region of Waterloo's curbside cart-based collection services.

Free, one-time black cart exchange request period.
From October 5 to 31, 2026, you can submit a request to exchange your current black garbage cart size if it is not meeting your household’s needs, at no cost. Green organics carts only come in one size and therefore cannot be exchanged for a different size.
Note: This service is for black cart size exchange requests only.

Select your black cart

ਇਹ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ: 3 ਆਸਾਨ ਕਦਮ

Step 1

Enter your address and contact information to confirm service eligibility

Step 2

Select the size of cart you would like. The Region offers two sizes of black garbage carts; Small (120L), and Large (240L)

Step 3

Review and confirm to finalize cart selection

Select your black cart

ਯੋਗਤਾ

Property owners of single-family households (one unit) who receive Region of Waterloo’s curbside cart-based collection services are eligible to use this online service.

Property owners of 2-to-6 unit properties must contact the Region at carts@regionofwaterloo.ca in order to submit their black cart exchange request.

Select your black cart

ਸਾਡੇ ਨਾਲ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਕਰੋ

If you have a question or need more details about this service, please email carts@regionofwaterloo.ca or contact the Region’s Service First Contact Centre at 519-575-4400.

519-575-4400

carts@regionofwaterloo.ca

Region of Waterloo

Find answers to frequently asked questions.

Need help?

How to request a black cart exchange

To request a black cart exchange, you will need to:

Enter your address and contact information to confirm service eligibility
Select the size of cart you would like. The Region offers two sizes of black garbage carts; Small (120L), and Large
(240L)
Review and confirm to finalize cart selection

What are the cart sizes?

Can I exchange my green cart?

Green organics carts only come in one size and therefore cannot be exchanged for a different size.

How does the cart exchange process work?

Exchanges are completed directly at your property. You do not need to bring your cart anywhere for the exchange to take place.

Step 1: Submit your request

Submit a request form online between October 5 to October 31, or receive guided assistance by calling the Region of Waterloo at 519-575-4400.

Step 2: Receive confirmation

You'll receive a confirmation email with instructions and exchange details.

Step 3: Leave your cart out

During the exchange period identified in your confirmation email, leave your current cart in a visible location on your property that is accessible from the road. Do not place your cart at the curb where regular collection occurs unless it is your
collection day.

Step 4: Exchange completed

We will deliver your new cart and collect your current one.

Residents may receive a gently used cart that has been inspected and cleaned before redistribution.

Where should I place my cart for the exchange?

During the exchange period identified in your confirmation email, leave your cart in a visible location on your property that is accessible from the road. Do not place it at the curb where regular collection occurs, unless it is your collection day.

Do I need to bring my cart somewhere for the exchange?

No. Cart exchanges take place at your property address. There is no need to bring your cart anywhere, the exchange process will come to you.

Is there a cost to exchange my black garbage cart?

No. Residents may request a one-time free cart exchange from October 5 to October 31. Fees may apply to future cart exchanges. More information will be shared at a later date.

Will I receive a brand-new cart?

Not necessarily. Residents may receive a gently used cart that has been inspected and cleaned before being redistributed.

Can I exchange my cart more than once?

This is a one-time free exchange opportunity. For future exchanges, there may be a fee.

Can I purchase an additional black cart?

No. Additional black garbage carts are not available for purchase.

On the occasion you have more garbage than can fit in your black cart, bag tags remain available for purchase and can be used for extra garbage bags that are set out
for collection outside of your black cart.

Additional questions & contact

If you have a question or need more details about this service, please email carts@regionofwaterloo.ca or contact the Region’s Service First Contact Centre at 519-575-4400.

Address Lookup & Eligibility

Why do I need to enter my address?

Your address is used to verify eligibility and determine which cart size is available to your property.

My address isn't appearing. What should I do?

Only those currently receiving curbside collection from the Region of Waterloo are eligible for carts. Try the following:

Type your house number and then your street name slowly; then select your address from the list
Search for only your house number and street name (without your city or town)
Check the spelling of your address
Do not include the postal code

Please contact 519-575-4400 or carts@regionofwaterloo.ca for assistance.

Who can request a cart exchange?

Property owners of single-family households (one unit) that receive the Region of Waterloo's curbside cart-based collection service are eligible to exchange their black cart by submitting their request online or by guided assistance by calling us at 519-575-4400. Property owners of 2-to-6 unit properties must contact carts@regionofwaterloo.ca to request a black cart exchange.