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Wheeled Cart Waste Collection Program

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Page summary

Wheeled carts are coming to Halton! Learn about the program including benefits, key dates, and how to use them!

About the Wheeled Garbage Cart Collection Program

A cleaner, easier and more organized way to manage waste is coming to Halton Region!

As part of our commitment to improving waste collection services through our Solid Waste Management Strategy, we tested automated wheeled carts for waste collection in select neighborhood throughout the region. In 2023, approximately 1,850 homes across 8 areas participated in the demonstration project, using wheeled carts designed for easy, efficient collection. The results? Residents loved them! Now, we’re rolling out the Wheeled Cart Program out across Halton, starting with approximately 18,000 additional homes in for wheeled garbage carts.

Based on the demonstration project’s positive results, along with insights from other municipalities and industry best practices, Regional Council approved expanding the Wheeled Cart Program to all households. To ensure a smooth transition and to allow us to address any challenges along the way, we’re ‘rolling’ out the program in phases.

What’s next?

The program will roll out in phases:

Approximately 18,000 additional homes will receive their wheeled garbage carts.

The wheeled cart program begins to expand to the remaining households in the Region.

Wheeled cart information sessions

Thank you for attending our wheeled garbage cart information sessions! All information sessions are now complete.

We appreciate the many residents who took the time to attend, see the new carts up close, try them out, and ask questions about the program. Your interest and feedback were valuable, and we were pleased to hear the positive comments about the new wheeled garbage cart system.

Why automated wheeled carts?

The 2023 demonstration project and industry best practices helped shape Halton's future wheeled cart program and highlight its benefits:

  • More reliable service 
    Improves efficiency for fast-growing communities.
  • User friendly 
    Easy to use and pest resistant.
  • Environmentally friendly
    Reduces wind-blown litter.
  • Proven success
    Aligns with other municipal programs and industry best practices. 

85%

of participants in the Wheeled Cart Demonstration areas supported or were neutral about the Wheeled Cart Program!

What to expect in

If your household is part of the first phase, you’ll receive a letter in early with more details.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • No schedule changes
    Your waste collection day and pickup schedule will stay the same. Your green cart, blue box, and bulk waste collection will continue as usual—just with the added convenience of wheeled cart for garbage!
  • Your new garbage cart
    Every home will receive a standard 240-litre wheeled cart (holds 3–4 garbage bags).
  • Extra garbage?
    You can use garbage bag tags to set out up to three additional bags. Tags are available for purchase online.
120-litre wheeled cart
120-litre wheeled cart

Height: 95.5 cm (37 5/8 in) 
Width: 54.6 cm (19 1/8 in) 
Depth: 48.6 cm (21.5 in) 

240-litre wheeled cart
240-litre wheeled cart

Height: 109 cm (43 1/4 in)  
Width: 62.2 cm (24 1/2 in)
Depth: 71.1 cm (28 in) 

The request period for the smaller 120-litre garbage cart is now closed.

  • Wheeled garbage carts will be delivered from the end of May through early June.
  • If you submitted a request for the 120-litre cart, it will be delivered during that period.
  • All other households will receive the 240-litre cart.

An opportunity to request a change in cart size will begin in October 2025.

Wheeled cart rollout

Important dates for expansion areas

  • Council approval

    Regional Council formally approves the expansion of the Wheeled Cart Program, bringing safe, cleaner and easier garbage collection to an additional 18,000 homes in 2025.

  • Information letters sent

    Households in the expansion areas will receive a letter confirming their participation in the Wheeled Cart Program. The letter will include:

    An overview of the program and how it works.

    Key dates, including when carts will be delivered and when collection begins.

    Contact information for any questions or support.

    Instructions on how to request a smaller 120-litre cart instead of the standard 240-litre cart.

  • Public Information Centres

    Join us at an in-person Public Information Centre (PIC) to see the carts, compare sizes and speak with staff about the program! View the full PIC schedule.

  • Carts delivered

    Your new wheeled garbage cart will arrive at your home. If you requested a smaller 120-litre cart, you’ll receive it at this time instead.

  • Wheeled cart collection begins

    You will receive an information package with more details about the program and your official start date. From then on, place your wheeled cart at the curb on your regular garbage collection day—garbage pickup remains every other week.

    Reminder: You can access your waste collection calendar online and sign up for weekly waste collection reminders.

Using your wheeled carts

There are no changes to your collection schedule! Your new wheeled cart garbage will be collected bi-weekly on your regular garbage day—just like before! Simply place it at the curb by on collection day. Never miss a pickup!

Sign up for reminders!

How to use your cart:

  • Position it correctly
    Place the cart at the end of your driveway with the handles facing your house—keep sidewalks clear.
  • Bag your garbage
    All garbage must be bagged before being placed inside the cart.
  • Avoid overfilling
    If your cart is full, you can place extra bagged garbage beside it (up to 3 additional bags), but each extra bag must have a garbage bag tag.
  • Don't force materials inside
    Overstuffing may cause items to get stuck and not empty properly.
  • Hazardous waste & electronics
    These do not belong in your cart. Please take them to the Halton Waste Management Site.
  • Sort properly
    Use the Put Waste In Its Place tool to check what goes in your wheeled cart.

Winter tips for wheeled carts:

  • Keep carts visible and accessible during snowy months.
  • Clear a flat spot at the end of your driveway for easy pickup.
  • Do not place carts on or behind snowbanks — they must be reachable for collection.

By following these tips, you'll help ensure smooth, efficient collection all year round. Thanks for doing your part to keep our community clean and waste collection hassle-free!

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Region implementing wheeled carts for waste collection?

The decision to transition to automated cart collection was informed by several key goals:

  • Improve waste collection: Enhances operational efficiency and reliability of waste collection services and supports fast-growing communities like Halton. Also, supports worker health and safety by reducing heavy lifting and injuries.
  • Environmental benefits: Helps keeps neighbourhoods cleaner by keeping waste contained and protected from pests.
  • User friendly: Wheeled carts are easier for residents to move and store.
  • Align with industry best practices: Wheeled carts are a proven collection method used in other municipalities.
When will the rest of Halton be receiving wheeled garbage carts?

Halton Region will be rolling out the Wheeled Garbage Cart Program Region-wide in a phased approach, starting in 2027. As the program expands, residents will be notified in advance of when carts will be delivered to their household.

What can I do with my old containers?

We encourage households to keep their garbage container. Households may continue to use old garbage bins for yard waste and garden trimmings or as storage. You can order a yard waste label to place on your old garbage bin to easily identify the bin as yard waste for collection purposes.

If a household chooses to dispose of their old garbage container, they are required to tape an “X” on the side of the container and place it curbside, upside down, on the scheduled bulk waste collection day.  It is important to note that the Region will not replace any personal garbage containers households choose to dispose.

What if I have more garbage than fits in my cart?

You can place extra garbage bags beside your cart on your collection day—as long as each bag has a Halton garbage tag attached to the neck.

  • A maximum of three extra bags can be set out per collection.
  • Tags cost $2 each and are sold in sheets of 5 for $10.
  • Purchase tags by calling 311, visiting halton.ca/waste, or checking select municipal and retail locations.
I’m an older adult or have accessibility needs, what are my options?

If you’re unable to move your cart due to mobility or accessibility needs, contact us at wmconnect@halton.ca or call 311. We’ll work with you to find a solution so you can continue receiving collection service.

Tip: Some residents find it easier to lift smaller, lighter bags into the cart more frequently rather than dealing with one heavy bag.

I live in a rural area with a long driveway. How can I manage the carts?

We tested wheeled carts in a rural area of Milton and found that the carts can work well, even in rural settings. Here are some tips:

  • Store carts near the end of your driveway and bring your garbage bags to them on collection day.
  • Place carts about 10 feet back from the road to avoid snowplow interference.
  • The larger 240L cart may be a better option in rural areas—it’s heavier, sturdier, and holds more.
  • Want to see carts in action? Drive through First and Second Line Nassagaweya (between 15 and 20 Sideroad)! Carts can be viewed on the area's waste collection day, Thursday May 15, or every other week after that.
Will the wheeled carts have a pest-proof latch or lock?

No, the carts will not have a latch or lock. Based on the experience of other municipalities, pest-proof locks are not necessary for garbage.

The carts are made from thick, durable plastic and are taller than standard garbage cans. The attached hinged lid also helps keep animals out. To further reduce the chance of pests, avoid placing the carts near fences or objects that animals can climb.

What if a wheeled cart gets blown onto the road?

Homeowners are responsible for their carts until they are collected and must bring them in after collection to prevent them from becoming a hazard.

Our carts are designed to be wind-resistant—they’re made of thick plastic and have rubberized wheels for stability. During our pilot project with 1,800 homes, very few carts tipped or rolled. To help prevent issues:

  • Place carts out the morning of collection (before 7 a.m.) on windy days.
  • Bring carts in as soon as possible after collection.
What if my wheeled cart is damaged or goes missing?

If your cart is broken or missing, call 311 or email wmconnect@halton.ca.

Return to this page to stay up to date and request replacements.

Stay connected!

Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the rollout. We appreciate your support in making waste collection cleaner, easier, and more efficient for everyone.

Visit this page for regular updates or sign up for waste reminders and notices to get updates sent directly to your inbox! If you have any specific questions about the Automated Wheeled Cart Program or need more information you can always email wmconnect@halton.ca or call 311.

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