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 wheeled carts for waste collection in select neighbourhoods 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! We have now rolled out the Wheeled Cart Program to include 18,000 additional households across Halton Region.
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 Waste Collection Program to all households, starting in 2027.
Continue to check this page for updates on the Region Wide Wheeled Cart Waste Collection Program.
What’s next?
To ensure a smooth transition and to allow us to address any challenges along the way, we’re ‘rolling’ out the program in phases.
2025
2026
Garbage cart exchange
If you received a Region-issued wheeled garbage cart in June 2025 and find that the size is not right for the amount of garbage your household places out every other week, you can now request an exchange.
We have two cart sizes available: 240 L and 120 L. Each household is entitled to 1 wheeled garbage cart (more information on dimensions of each cart and capacity is available below). This is a one-time courtesy exchange.
Remember: any garbage that does not fit in your wheeled garbage cart must be placed beside your cart with a purchased garbage bag tag (a maximum of 3 tagged garbage bags may be placed beside the wheeled garbage cart every other week).
Prepare your information
Request an exchange
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!
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. - 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:
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%
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
240-litre wheeled cart
Wheeled cart timeline
Approximately 1,850 households participated in the wheeled cart demonstration program.
Council approved expanding wheeled garbage cart collection to approximately 18,000 households in 2025 and wheeled garbage and organics cart collection to all households starting in 2027.
Wheeled garbage cart collection begins for the 18,000 homes.
Remember: 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?
When will the rest of Halton be receiving wheeled garbage carts?
What can I do with my old containers?
What if I have more garbage than fits in my cart?
I'm an older adult or have accessibility needs, what are my options?
I live in a rural area with a long driveway. How can I manage the carts?
Will the wheeled carts have a pest-proof latch or lock?
What if a wheeled cart gets blown onto the road?
What if my wheeled cart is damaged or goes missing?
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.