Fire Employment
Upcoming Civil Service Exam: Register for the 2025 Municipal Firefighter Civil Service Exam taking place Oct. 3 - 5, 2025. View the WFD Civil Service Exam Flyer to learn more!
-->Leaf & Yard Waste Drop-Off
The Department of Public Works operates three yard waste drop-off sites for all Worcester residents.
Public Notice: The first day for Bulk & Yard Waste will be April 1, 2026.
Open April - November:
Trash & Recycling
The City of Worcester's Trash and Recycling program is managed by the Department of Public Works & Parks.
On Friday, Jan. 30, recycling collection will be delayed due to street conditions for the following streets:
-->Stormwater
During heavy rains, localized street flooding will occur if the rain falls faster than the drainage system can remove it. To mitigate the impact of flooding you can implement one or more flood protection measures such as helping the City in its flood protection activities, preparing yourself for floods and purchasing flood insurance.
Is your property in a floodplain or area that's experienced flooding? Find out! Contact the Division of Planning & Regulatory Services at 508-799-1400 x31440 or planning@worcesterma.gov.
Lakes & Ponds Program
The State of the Lakes in 2021
-->Christmas Tree Drop-Off
Worcester residents may dispose of their non-artificial Christmas tree FREE OF CHARGE at area drop-off sites (weather permitting). Christmas trees will not be collected at the curb. No other yard waste will be accepted at the sites, only Christmas trees.
Household Hazardous Waste Day
The City of Worcester holds four annual drop-off days specifically for household hazardous waste. The program is free for Worcester residents to participate. Household hazardous waste drop-off is by appointment only on the dates below. We will only accept waste from Worcester residents and proof of residency is required. We reserve the right to refuse unidentified materials and large amounts of hazardous waste. Limit of 25 gallons or 25 pounds.
Residential Drop-Off Center
Public Notice: All bulk waste appointments for August 2026 have been filled. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The drop-off center allows residents to dispose of an unlimited number of bulk waste items in a timely manner and at a low cost. There is also a yard waste drop-off area and a compost/winter sand pickup area.
Bulk Waste Disposal
Open April - November/December (Weather Permitting):
With an appointment, residents may drop off bulk waste items for nominal fees at the following times:
- Wednesday appointments: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Saturday appointments: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
DPW reserves the right to limit quantities of certain items disposed of at the facility during each calendar year.
Streets
Peter J. Gerhard, Assistant Commissioner of Operations
Richard S. Fields, Director
The Streets Division of DPW is responsible for winter snow plowing operations, street sweeping, the abandoned vehicle program, traffic signs maintenance, pavement marking, street resurfacing, long patch and pothole repairs, streetscape, and more.