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Worcester's First Zero Waste Master Plan

Line of Full Yellow Trash Bags and Empty Green Recycling Bins Next to the Curb

Launched in early 2025, the Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) was developed through extensive research, a Waste Characterization Study, three public surveys, four public workshops, and 11 listening sessions.

This plan charts out a roadmap to significantly reduce the City's waste, improve public health, and deliver environmental and economic benefits to the community.

The seven stated goals of the plan are:

  • Goal 1: Lead by Example
  • Goal 2: Reduce Food Waste
  • Goal 3: Expand Recycling Access Citywide
  • Goal 4: Improve Residential Curbside Collection Services
  • Goal 5: Reduce Litter and Illegal Dumping
  • Goal 6: Improve and Expand the Drop-off Center
  • Goal 7: Create Opportunities for Reduction, Recovery and Reuse

The seven goals are supported by 23 strategies that, if fully implemented within the Plan's 10-year timeframe, would divert a conservatively estimated 40% of waste from either a landfill or incineration, up from just 10% today.

The plan recommends focusing on five high-priority strategies during the first five years. These strategies were chosen for their environmental impact, community support and need, and cost and feasibility:

  • Edible Food Recovery and Donation Program
  • Upgraded Recycling Containers
  • Support Property Owners, Haulers, and Generators to Increase Recycling Participation
  • Systemic Citywide Cleanups
  • Millbury Street Residential Drop Off Center Hours Expansion

The ZWMP is not a functional or operational plan. Many strategies will require further research, planning, and resources before moving into pilot phases. Some may need significant additional study; others will depend on support from consultants, contractors, or community-based organizations. Success will rely on collaboration across all sectors - residents, community groups, businesses, institutions, and universities.

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.

See the final results below:

Workers in Personal Protective Gear at Table Under Canopy Sifting Through Trash from Opened Bags

Resources/Presentations

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
greenworcester@worcesterma.gov
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Hours

By Appointment
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.