Garbage pickup to change forever in Burlington, Oakville and Milton

One of the biggest changes to curbside garbage collection in years is officially underway, with residents across parts of Halton Region beginning to receive information about the new wheeled garbage and organics carts.

According to Halton.ca, households included in phase one of the new Wheeled Cart Program are now receiving information packages explaining how the rollout will work, when the carts will arrive and what residents need to do before the program begins.

The new automated collection system will be introduced in two phases over the next two years, with approximately 95,000 households included in the first phase. It will replace the current system of setting garbage bags at the curb with standardized garbage and organics carts collected by automated trucks.

Phase One households have until Aug. 15, 2026, to request a smaller 120-litre garbage cart if they don’t need the standard 240-litre version. Residents who prefer the larger cart do not need to take any action.

Every participating household will receive one 240-litre garbage cart, which holds about three to four standard garbage bags, and one 120-litre organics cart equipped with a gravity lock designed to help reduce pests.

Residents who typically put out only one or two garbage bags every other week and regularly use their Blue Box and Green Cart may opt for the smaller 120-litre garbage cart, which holds one to two standard garbage bags. If they’re unsure which size is best, Halton.ca recommends starting with the larger cart, as households will have a one-time opportunity to change cart sizes about three months after collection begins.

The carts will be delivered between January and March 2027, but residents are being reminded not to use them immediately. Collection using the new automated system will begin in April 2027. Households that already use a wheeled garbage cart will still receive a new 120-litre organics cart.

According to Halton.ca, the program is designed to improve worker safety by reducing heavy lifting, increase collection efficiency, help keep neighbourhoods cleaner by reducing wind-blown litter and pests, and support the Region’s growing population.

Individuals can also attend information sessions and community displays throughout the summer to compare cart sizes, test how they move and speak with Regional staff before the transition. More information, including upcoming sessions, participating households and the full rollout timeline, is available on Halton.ca.

Phase Two will include the remaining approximately 85,000 households, with notifications beginning in 2027 and collection using the new carts scheduled to start in spring 2028.

The wheeled cart program is one of several significant changes coming to Halton residents. In Milton, it’s part of a busy year that also includes the opening of the town’s first Costco, which is expected to welcome shoppers this fall.