SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The City of Worcester, Massachusetts announced plans to develop a comprehensive Zero Waste Master Plan. The proposed plan would lay a detailed roadmap towards reducing waste, in alignment with the municipality’s previously announced Green Worcester Plan.

The City of Worcester Department of Sustainability & Resilience (DSR) will collaborate with its consultants, Zero Waste Associates, to manage plan development. The development process will ensure thorough engagement of the community.

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The plan will look into the efficacy of the current residential Pay-As-You-Throw and curbside recycling programs. It will explore access to recycling and trash service options for large multifamily and commercial buildings. In addition, it will investigate approaches to reduce illegal dumping and littering.

Leading consultants Diversion Designers will conduct a Waste Characterization Study, which in turn will form a crucial part of the research. The study will be carried out using nearly 11 tons of randomly selected waste samples, which will be collected over a three-week period through April 18. The first-of-its-kind study by the municipality will provide a complete picture of trash production.

The Zero Waste Master Plan is expected to be completed by early 2026.