Building on decades of leadership - including our pioneering Pay-As-You-Throw program and the Green Worcester Plan - we work to reduce litter through community cleanups and expanded public trash and recycling bin access, maintain a successful Drop-Off Center, educate residents on sustainable waste practices and city services, and promote waste reduction citywide.
Worcester's First Zero Waste Master Plan
In Spring 2025, the City of Worcester launched the development of our first Zero Waste Master Plan - an aspirational and comprehensive roadmap toward a more sustainable future. In alignment with our Green Worcester Plan, the Plan will include clear, actionable steps to prevent and reduce waste in the City.
Learn about the Zero Waste Master Plan and how to get involved. To learn more about waste in Worcester, check out our Green Worcester Dashboard.
WooBins Project 2025: Worcester's New Dual-Stream Waste Bins
The WooBins Project is part of Worcester's ongoing effort to make our neighborhoods cleaner, more livable, and environmentally responsible, and is led by the Department of Sustainability & Resilience with collaboration from the Department of Public Works and the Quality of Life Team.
In April 2025, Worcester launched the WooBins Pilot where 30 WooBins, which separate trash and recycling, were installed in two areas with high foot traffic and frequent litter concerns: Green Island and the lower half of Grafton Street. These bins are the first phase of a larger plan to roll out a total of 150 dual-stream bins citywide, a key action listed in the City's Strategic Plan and Green Worcester Plan.
The results of this pilot will give the City a chance to test how often these bins need to be emptied and maintained. Based on what we learn, the remaining 120 bins are expected to be installed in the Summer 2025. The final locations for the bins will be informed by the results of the Crowdsource Map (that ran from 12/20/24 - 1/31/25 and gathered 830 suggested locations from residents), feedback from community stakeholders, proximity to bus stops, sufficient sidewalk space and litter complaints received through our 311 system.
In May 2025, original designs by local artists were selected to appear on 50 of the new bins across Worcester. This initiative—a collaboration between the Department of Sustainability and Resilience, Cultural Development Division, and Worcester Cultural Coalition— celebrates our city's diverse communities and inspires pride in our neighborhoods, while promoting a cleaner, greener Worcester.
The Clean Streets Collective (Established 2025)
The Clean Streets Collective is a city initiative that encourages residents and community-based organizations (CBOs) to take an active role in keeping Worcester's neighborhoods clean. The Department of Sustainability & Resilience, in partnership with the Quality of Life Team and the Department of Public Works, supports the volunteers by providing free green trash bags to the residents (via community organization they partner with) for voluntary litter cleanups. Filled bags are collected by the sanitation team on regular weekly trash pickup days.
The success of this program relies on the involvement of our local CBOs. As a participating organization, each CBO helps recruit volunteers and provide important details, manage enrollment, distribute the official green bags to participants, and share feedback with the City about the program's successes and challenges.
Thank you to our current community partners!
- Worcester Green Corps
- Green Island Residents Group, Inc.
- Citizens for Safety and Quality of Life on Flint Pond
- Congregation Beth Israel
This program thrives through strong community partnerships, and getting involved is easy and free!
- Are you a Community Based Organization? Sign Up to Become a Clean Streets Collective Partner.
- Are you a resident? Sign up with one of the current CBOs that is already participating. Better yet - encourage your favorite CBO to join as a partner!
Email zerowaste@worcesterma.gov for more information.
Trash Talk with Zero Waste Coordinator
A video series where we answer your questions about trash and recycling from the City of Worcester's Zero Waste Coordinator.
Watch Now!
Resources
Contact Information
Address
Sustainability and Resilience
51 Sever Street Worcester, MA 01609
Mailing Address: 455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Contact
Phone: 508-799-8324
Email Us
Hours
By Appointment
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.