City of Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. – Worcester’s current level of cleanliness is unacceptable, and as your City Manager I take full responsibility.  

My Administration is prioritizing the issue as reflected in the “Clean City Initiatives” priority goal in the municipality’s Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, which is a blueprint for our work. 

The priority goal’s strategies and objectives intend to establish Worcester as the cleanest Gateway City. We have made strides toward achieving that goal, most recently with the introduction of WooBins and the development of a Zero Waste Master Plan. However, we are still falling short. 

While the Strategic Plan provides a foundation, it is clear we need an all-hands-on-deck effort to truly improve and beautify Worcester’s streets and green spaces. 

I am charging the Department of Public Works (DPW) with leading the effort, alongside my Administration, to clean up the city, and I am calling on all residents and organizations to get involved.

From Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, DPW will work nights and weekends, collaborate with existing contractors, and engage new ones to clean Worcester. 

We will strategically tackle streets across the entire city. We are asking residents to work with us to facilitate cleaning by taking actions such as moving your car for street sweeping when we notify you that we’ll be in your neighborhood. 

We are also encouraging residents to get involved directly. Is there an area where you’ve noticed trash piling up? Let us know via 311. Hosting your own cleanup? Request the municipality pick up the trash bags you’ve filled for disposal. Later this month, we’ll have a full list of ways that you can help Keep Worcester Clean.

To encourage resident engagement, we are also waiving all bulk waste fees at the Residential Drop-Off Center during the month of August. 

We are going to make sure we get this done in time for the fall and back-to-school so returning students, residents, and visitors can see what we’re capable of and are inspired to keep up the momentum.

This effort doesn’t end on Aug. 31—it’s just the beginning. My Administration will continue to do its part to Keep Worcester Clean by investing in long-term, sustainable solutions.

Many of you—residents, businesses, homeowners, renters, landlords, schools, and community organizations—have already taken ownership of your community and committed to clean-up efforts thanks to your pride in Worcester. Whether it’s picking up litter on your street, reporting issues through 311, or organizing neighborhood cleanups, we see the effort you are making, and we thank you for it. 

I take pride in Worcester, too, and that is why I want to double down on the municipality’s efforts to keep it clean.

Let’s build on our collective pride and inspire others as we care for our streets, our neighborhoods, and for one another.