Worcester's First 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 the City's Department of Sustainability & Resilience, in close collaboration with the Department of Public Works & Parks.

We've hired Zero Waste Associates to guide plan development, which includes technical analysis, community engagement and actionable strategies to prevent and reduce waste across the City.

Plan Goals and Priorities

The Zero Waste Master Plan will include waste reduction target goals and recommendations focused on reducing, preventing, repairing, reusing, recycling and composting waste across Worcester. It will evaluate the effectiveness of the current Pay-As-You-Throw (Yellow Bag) and curbside recycling programs, and research ways to improve access to recycling and trash services for residents in large multifamily and commercial buildings. The plan will also explore options for food scraps composting, propose strategies to reduce illegal dumping and littering and assess services offered at the Millbury Street Drop-Off Center. 

Waste Characterization Study

To better understand what Worcester throws away, the City conducted a Waste Characterization Study in April 2025. This is the first time Worcester has taken such a comprehensive look at its waste stream - from residents, businesses, schools and more.

• Nearly 11 tons of waste were randomly collected, sorted and analyzed by expert consultants (Diversion Designers).
• No personal or household data was collected.
• All waste was disposed of through Worcester's usual process at the Waste-to-Energy facility in Millbury.
• Findings will inform priorities and key recommendations in the Zero Waste Master Plan.

Get Involved

Public input is essential to the success of the plan. We invite everyone who lives, works and plays in the City to help shape Worcester's zero waste future.

How to Get Involved:

• Take the Worcester Residents' Waste Survey.
• Sign up for the Newsletter to get updates and event invites.
• Attend upcoming Town Halls and Listening Sessions (schedule coming soon).

Resources/Presentations

• Worcester Business Community Listening Session - April 16, 2025