Waterloo Region Residents to Receive Expanded Recycling Options in 2026

Residents in Waterloo region are set to experience significant changes to their recycling program starting in 2026. According to a recent presentation by Circular Materials, the not-for-profit producer overseeing recycling in the province, the region's blue box collection will shift to a bi-weekly, four-day schedule beginning March 3, 2026. This change will coincide with the opposite week of the region's regular garbage collection.

To support the frequency shift, Waterloo region residents will receive two additional recycling bins in mid-January 2026. These new bins will be provided at no cost to residents and can be "nested" to save space.

The upcoming changes to the blue box program are part of a broader overhaul happening across the province. Effective January 1, 2026, the list of accepted recyclable items will expand to include hot and cold beverage cups, deodorant packaging, toothpaste tubes, ice cream tubs, black plastic containers, and frozen juice containers, in addition to the currently accepted materials. This unified and expanded list will ensure the same products are recyclable regardless of location within the province.

The transition to the new bi-weekly recycling schedule and expanded list of accepted items is intended to help Waterloo region residents better manage their waste and contribute to the province's sustainability efforts.