Keep Worcester Clean (KWC) is a coordinated, year-round city-wide effort that encompasses all of the municipality's beautification programs and initiatives. It is primarily a collaboration between the departments of Public Works (DPW); Sustainability & Resilience (DSR); Parks, Recreation & Cemetery; and Inspectional Services, along with the Quality of Life Team, City Manager's Office, and community organizations.
But they can't do it alone - residents who respect and value their community are the heart of the program and part of the sustainable solution. KWC is more than just trash, recycling, and maintenance: it is a community-driven campaign that will help fulfill the objectives laid out in the City of Worcester's Clean City Initiatives strategic plan priority goal. We must all work together to keep our city clean and influence others to do the same. Learn all about our KWC programs and how you can get involved. And remember that you can report incidents of graffiti, missing street signs, abandoned vehicles, blocked catch basins, etc. to Worcester 311.
Adopt an Island
The Adopt an Island Program is a comprehensive cleanup and awareness program, seeking support from all segments of the community. This program seeks sponsors and volunteers to work in partnership with the municipality and allows these sponsors to choose a traffic island or median that they can maintain and beautify.
City Manager's Clean Team
The City Manager's Clean Team hosts seasonal community cleanup events focused on removing litter, overgrowth, and illegally dumped bulk items. These efforts help keep our neighborhoods clean and give residents and municipal staff a chance to make a meaningful impact together. This initiative is a collaboration between the City Manager's Quality of Life Team and DSR.
This year's events run from 9 to 11 a.m., and all supplies are provided. Volunteers are asked to register in advance to help us plan and to receive event details via email.
2025 Clean Team events are completed. Stay tuned for future events in 2026!
Clean Streets Collective
Established in 2025, the Clean Streets Collective (CSC) is an initiative aimed at empowering residents and community groups to organize voluntary litter cleanups with free green trash bags provided by the municipality and collected during regular trash pickup.
For individuals who are CSC members and need assistance with having their green bags picked up (e.g., due to their residence utilizing private trash collection), please use the Pickup Request Form.
Cleanup Event Support
In support of our community-led cleanup efforts, event organizers can request resource support from the municipality based on the nature of their event.
For groups leading events in municipal parks, there may be an opportunity for the municipality to provide items like trash bags, gloves, and trash pickers. Please use the following request form with at least one week’s notice. Requests submitted with less than one week of notice before the event may not be accommodated. Supplies subject to availability.
For all other neighborhood cleanups, individuals and organizations may have their filled trash bags picked up following the event. Please submit your request with at least one week’s notice, and reach out to zerowaste@worcesterma.gov with any questions. Requests submitted with less than one week of notice before the event may not be accommodated. For events that conclude after normal business hours, trash may be picked up the following morning.
Earth Day Cleanups
Each year the municipality partners with the Regional Environmental Council (REC) to host Earth Day beautification events at sites across Worcester. Thanks to the REC's coordination, individuals, schools, faith communities, neighborhood associations, businesses, and others work together to remove over 25 tons of trash from Worcester's streets, green spaces, and neighborhoods annually. To get involved, visit the REC’s Earth Day website.
DPW Beautification Team
A branch of DPW is working to enhance the cleanliness and overall appearance of the city. From trimming overgrown brush to clearing litter and debris, their work is making a visible difference in how Worcester looks and feels. These efforts are not just about curb appeal—they're about creating a more welcoming, livable environment for everyone. Say hello when you see them out and about, and check out their work on the municipality’s social media accounts.
Spring Street Sweeping
Every spring, DPW clears the streets of sand material and sidewalk debris left on the streets and sidewalks during the winter months. Signs will be posted on streets ahead of collection, and planned routes will be posted online and announced on ALERTWorcester. Learn more about Spring Street Sweeping, including collection schedules.
Fall Leaf Collection
The City of Worcester is proud to offer fall curbside leaf collection service to its residents. Streets will be posted prior to leaf collection letting residents know that they can rake leaves into the gutter and to provide advance notification that a No Parking Ban will be in effect while leaves are being collected. Learn more the Fall Leaf Collection, including when your collection will happen, and key tips.
Trash & Recycling Programs
DPW manages the municipality's Trash and Recycling program. Residents can dispose of household waste via our pay as you throw Yellow Trash Bag program, recycle accepted materials through our Zero-Sort process, and bring bulk waste items, yard waste, and other materials to the Residential Drop-Off Center. Learn more about trash and recycling in the city, including pick-up schedules.
Helpsy Textile Recycling
The City of Worcester has an established partnership with Helpsy to offer free at-home clothing recycling collection for the local community. Home pickups save Worcester money on tipping fees and save the planet's resources by keeping clothes out of the trash.
WooBins
The WooBins Project is part of Worcester's ongoing effort to make our neighborhoods cleaner, more livable, and environmentally responsible, and is led by DSR with collaboration from DPW and the Quality of Life Team. In the summer of 2025, the municipality installed 150 dual-stream waste bins for residents to deposit trash and recycling, with original designs by local artists selected to appear on 50 of the new bins.
WooBoxes
The WooBox Art Project is a municipally led initiative designed to transform ordinary utility boxes into vibrant public artworks that celebrate Worcester's creativity and community spirit. From bustling intersections to quiet corners, each WooBox installation adds a burst of creativity to our shared public spaces.
Worcester Green Corps
The Worcester Green Corps is a partnership program of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the City of Worcester, Worcester Community Action Council, and the United Way of Central Massachusetts. Its mission is to clean and beautify the City of Worcester on a year-round basis, while prioritizing environmental responsibility alongside economic growth. Learn more on the Worcester Green Corps website.
In collaboration with DPW's Sewer Division, Worcester Green Corps and artist Sharinna Travieso have launched a unique program designed to bring awareness to the environmental implications of littering in our city's catch basins.
Zero Waste Master Plan
The City of Worcester is developing its first Zero Waste Master Plan, a bold and comprehensive roadmap to reduce waste and build a more sustainable future. This 18-month project is a key goal of the Green Worcester Plan and is being led by DSR in close collaboration with DPW. Learn more about our progress and how to get involved.