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Wheeled Cart Waste Collection Program

Wheeled Cart Waste Collection Program

About the Wheeled Garbage Cart Collection Program

A cleaner, easier and more organized way to manage waste in 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:

2025

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

2027

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

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:

  • Pace carts the right way
    Place the cart at the end of your driveway with the wheels facing your house—keep sidewalks clear.
  • Leave space for easy pick up
    Carts must be 0.5 metres (50 centimetres or 19 inches) away from other objects (including Green Carts, Blue Boxes, parked carts, trees, and other items).
  • Keep space above your carts clear
    Carts get lifted straight up to be emptied. Ensure nothing is above them – like basketball nets or tree limbs – that could get in the way.
  • 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 and 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!

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

Households a part of the first phase have received their garbage cart and collection has begun.

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! Make sure Carts are at the curb by 7 a.m.
  • 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.
  • Garbage carts belong to the property
    Wheeled garbage carts are assigned to your household address, not to the homeowner or tenant. If you're moving:  Please leave the cart behind for the next resident. The cart stays with the property and will be used by the new occupants.

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 to exchange carts will be October 2025.

An opportunity to request a change in cart size will begin this fall.

Wheeled cart rollout

Important dates for expansion areas
November 2024

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.

May/June 2025

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.

June 2025

Wheeled cart collection begins

Place wheeled garbage carts at the curb by 7 a.m. on your regular scheduled collection day — garbage pickup remains every other week.

New trucks are automatically picking carts up, the handles you use to get carts to the curb should be facing your home. Please make sure there is space around the cart to allow truck arm to safely pick up the cart.

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

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.

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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