Green Worcester Advisory Committee 10/26/2026

The Green Worcester Advisory Committee met on October 26, 2026. A consultant presented Worcester’s draft Zero Waste Master Plan, developed with community and city input, with 23 strategies over 10 years and five near-term priorities. These include edible-food recovery, improved recycling containers, support for multifamily and commercial recycling, litter reduction, and expansion of the Millbury Street drop-off center. The plan estimates that its strategies could divert an additional 30% of waste and save up to $3 million annually in disposal costs; implementation would require at least three additional staff positions and funding. The plan is expected to be finalized this fall and brought to City Council. No contract award or spending appropriation was made. The presentation noted that the city could seek proposals from private service providers or address services in a future negotiation with its current contractor, Casella, but no procurement decision was taken.

The committee also voted to dissolve a previously formed data-center subcommittee and agreed that members would develop proposals for discussion at the November meeting; potential zoning changes were discussed but not adopted. Members agreed to place a proposed letter concerning Mass Save funding on the next agenda so they could review it before deciding whether to sign. The meeting also included program updates on cleanups, recycling outreach, energy, and watershed planning. A motion opposing artificial turf beside sidewalks was raised near the end of the transcript, but its disposition is not captured. No other procurement activity was identified.