Wednesday, September 9, 2026

City of Worcester - Where Diversity Works

Summer is a great time for fun, but don't forget to be safe and protected during summer activities! Learn about summer safety tips and precautions below.

Needles and the Law

According to state law 105 CMR 480, it is illegal to dispose of sharps, as well as unopened packages of hypodermic needles and lancets, by throwing them away in the trash.

The City of Worcester Revised Ordinances Chapter 4 Section 6 prohibits all sharp objects, including syringes, from being placed in a yellow City of Worcester trash bag or recycle bins for disposal, as it may endanger the person picking up the bag. Violating the above ordinance can result in a $25 fine.

Worcester's Division of Public Health, along with the CDC, encourages everyone to live a healthy lifestyle. Living a healthy lifestyle incorporates many different aspects, such as exercise, food safety, nutrition and sexual health. Learn about staying healthy and safe by clicking on each section below.

Mosquitoes

Practice the 5 D's of Mosquito Protection:

• DRESS in long sleeves and pants when possible. Cover up during periods of mosquito activity.
• DEET is an effective insect repellent. Always follow the label instructions.
• DAWN & DUSK are mosquitoes' most active periods.
• DRAIN water from containers weekly. Avoid standing water, such as rain collecting in open bins, buckets or toys!

The City of Worcester participates in the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP).

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics have been used for the past 70 years to treat illnesses and prevent thousands of deaths. However, some antibiotics are no longer as effective at killing bacteria and treating illnesses. This is known as Antimicrobial Resistance or Antibiotic Resistance.

Antibiotics will not cure a cold or the flu. They are also not appropriate for bronchitis, some ear infections or sinus infections.

Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can kill helpful bacteria in the body and increase your risk for serious infections.

Voting is a constitutional right given to Americans and your vote, every vote, counts! The information below will provide you with all of the information you need for the upcoming election. There are many different ways you can exercise your right to vote, including in-person voting, mail-in ballots, early in-person or early mail-in ballots and submitting an absentee ballot.

Stephen S. Rolle, P.E., Commissioner

The Department of Transportation & Mobility (DTM), in partnership with other agencies and municipal departments, plans, coordinates, designs and implements transportation programs and projects that promote safe, equitable and sustainable mobility options.

The City of Worcester was selected as one of eight cities by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to participate in this new program that will encourage small businesses to locate in vacant storefronts within our Vacant Store Front Districts. Businesses or individuals may apply to the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) with the support of our Business and Community Development Division for refundable Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) tax credits for leasing and occupying a vacant storefront in one of our three Vacant Store Front Districts.