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Wheeled Cart Waste Collection Demonstration Project

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Page summary

As part of the Solid Waste Management Strategy, Halton Region Waste Management conducted the Automated Collection Demonstration Project for the curbside collection of recyclable material and household garbage with automated wheeled carts. The project explored the benefits of wheeled cart collection (replacing Blue Boxes/bags and garbage bags/cans) and how it could operate in Halton Region. 

 

Automated cart program background

A total of 8 areas around Halton Region were selected for the project (1,850 residential homes). The pilot program began in September 2023 and ran for a full year. During the study, participants provided their input on the program. Surveys showed that 85 per cent of participations supported or were neutral about the wheeled cart program. Participants reported key benefits:

  • reduction of wind-blow litter;
  • easy to move to and from the curb;
  • pest and rodent resistant; and
  • a more organized way to conduct and handle waste collection.
 

Project findings

Supported by the results of the Demonstration Project, municipal and industry best practices, Halton Regional Council approved moving to a region-wide wheeled cart collection program starting in spring 2027.

Current household participants in the demonstration area will continue to use the wheeled cart program. Pending council approval, Halton may add more households by the end of 2024. This phased approach will help us implement the program over time address and address any challenges as we move forward.

The project identified four key opportunities for a region-wide rollout:

  • Residents will be able choose their cart sizes early.
  • The rollout will happen in phases over a period of up to three years.
  • Halton will monitor the program and survey residents to ensure the rollout is effective.
  • Fully automated collection, where all material is contained inside carts, is the most efficient collection method.
 

Important dates

Timeline

  • Wheeled cart demonstration program began.

    Recyclable material collected every other week (instead of weekly) on your collection day. This happened on the week following garbage collection. For example: one week will be garbage collection, the following week will be recycling collection.

    Green Carts, bulk waste, yard waste, and metal items and appliances continued to be collected in same way they where previously, on their regular collection day.

  • Monitoring of the new program and survey.

    Studied the success and benefits of the wheeled cart program. First survey given to residents to understand level of support of the program.

  • Follow-up survey.

    Compared results and support of the wheeled cart program. 85% of participants supported or were neutral about the wheeled cart program. This is a 18% increase from the original survey. Residents reported many key benefits to the program.

  • Council approves expansion of the program.

    Supported by the results of the Demonstration Project, municipal and industry best practices, Halton Regional Council approved moving to a region-wide wheeled cart collection program starting in spring 2027.

  • Next steps.

    Current participants in the Wheeled Cart Demonstration Project will continue to use the wheeled cart program. New calendars will be delivered showing waste collection schedules to the end of December 2024. Access your new 2025 waste collection calendar online and sign up for weekly waste collection reminders.

 

What are wheeled carts?

Wheeled carts are made from durable plastic material and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate household waste volumes and storage. They have secure lids and easy-to-use handles for moving to and from the curb. Each household will receive two carts: one blue cart for recyclable material, and one black cart for garbage material.

Benefits of a wheeled cart waste collection program include:

  • improved neighbourhood cleanliness by reducing windy-day litter;
  • reduced litter caused by rodents and pest activity;
  • less storage space by allowing you to consolidate multiple bins into one;
  • increased efficiency and safety for collection operators; and
  • added convenience for residents using carts with wheels, secure lids, options for different cart sizes, etc.
A Black Cart, a Green Cart, and a yard waste bag at the end of a driveway for curbside collection. The Black Cart is positioned 0.5 metres away from the other two items to allow for automated collection.
 

Using your carts

Garbage and Recycling carts will get picked up bi-weekly. Carts must be placed out at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection schedule. Collection schedules will be online in 2025.

Check your collection schedule

Tips for cart usage:

  • Handles must be facing towards your house
  • Place at the end of your driveway. Do not block sidewalk.
  • Please bag garbage material before placing inside the garbage cart.
  • Do not overfill your wheeled carts. Extra material in both the Garbage and Recycling cart can be bagged and placed beside the cart. Extra bagged garbage must have a garbage bag tag.
  • Do not force material into carts. This can cause materials to get stuck in cart.
  • Household hazardous waste and electronics are not accepted in bins. These materials must be brought to the Halton Waste Management Site.
  • Please check the Put Waste In Its Place tool to ensure you are placing proper materials in the wheeled carts.

Tips for winter use:

  • Make sure carts are accessible during the winter months. Place carts in a visible area.
  • Clear an area at the end of your driveway for your carts.
  • Do not place behind or on top of snow banks.
 

Waste collection reminders

 
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