The six active landfills in MA are expected to close by 2030.
Introduction to Zero Waste
Why Waste Matters
Waste generation, storage, and disposal contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. With more waste and limited disposal options, we need innovative solutions to how we approach the waste crisis. Recycling materials such as paper, glass, metal and plastics helps, but it’s only part of the solution. Many items that end up in our waste stream are not recyclable, such as plastic packaging, organic materials, construction and demolition debris, household hazardous waste, and a wide variety of bulk items such as mattresses, appliances, tires, and furniture. In Massachusetts, the pressure is on as our six active landfills are expected to close by 2030.
Introduction to Zero Waste
The Impact of Waste on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Waste management and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) are closely connected. When we toss things into landfills, they break down and release methane, a greenhouse gas that's way more powerful than CO2 at trapping heat (like 25 times stronger!). The more waste we generate, the more methane we're pumping into the atmosphere, which isn't great for the planet. But if we recycle, compost, or reduce waste, we can help cut down those emissions and slow down climate change. So, managing waste well is a big deal for keeping our air cleaner and our planet cooler.
Introduction to Zero Waste
Waste-to-Energy
Worcester sends our trash to the WINWaste Waste-to-Energy (WTE) converter in Millbury, also known as Wheelabrator. WTE is a process where trash is burned to generate electricity or heat. This process shrinks waste 90% by volume and 75% by weight. The WTE facility in Millbury processes 1,500 tons from Central MA each day, enabling the site to power more than 30,100 homes annually. While WTE helps manage waste, it also creates harmful emissions. It's not a perfect solution and needs to be combined with other waste diversion and reduction efforts to minimize its environmental impact.
The Waste-to-Energy converter in Millbury.
Our society currently operates within a recycling economy. Our goal with Zero Waste is to close the loop and move towards a circular economy.
Introduction to Zero Waste
What is Zero Waste?
A Zero Waste approach is all about cutting down on waste by ditching single-use items, reusing things as much as we can, repairing items when possible, and recycling whatever is left. The aim is to keep materials in a loop, so nothing ends up in the trash and everything gets a second life. This concept is known as the "Circular Economy", which essentially eliminates waste from the economic system. Sure, aiming for Zero Waste sounds ambitious, but that's because it is! Our intentions are clear, and every step we take in that direction gets us closer to our goal of closing the loop.
Trash and Recycling in Worcester
Recycling Contamination Rate
When something goes in the recycling bin that does not belong, it creates contamination in the recycling stream. Contamination reduces the quality of the final recycled products and can even create dangerous conditions for workers at the recycling facilities. The national contamination rate is estimated to be at 17%, while Worcester has an impressive contamination rate of only 8%!
A Clean City
Zero Waste Worcester
The City Manager's Clean Team is made up of local volunteers who are working to help keep our community free of litter and other debris. This is a section of the Keep Worcester Clean program, an interdepartmental effort to clean, beautify, and maintain our city.
A Clean City
Zero Waste Master Plan
We are currently in the process of developing our City's very first Zero Waste Master Plan. This roadmap will define our ambitions and strategies to move toward Zero Waste so that our city government, residents, and local businesses and organizations can understand their role in helping us move closer to our goals.
Check back here regularly for the latest updates on our progress towards completing the Zero Waste Master Plan and opportunities for public input.
A Clean City
Litter and Illegal Dumping Hotspots
Keeping track of illegal dumpsites helps inform our cleanup and enforcement efforts across the city. Using data reported to 311, we can map out some hot spots in Worcester that need the most attention.
A Clean City
Neighborly Clean Up Network
The Clean Streets Collective encourages residents to take an active role in keeping their neighborhoods clean. Through this initiative, the Department of Sustainability and Resilience, along with the Quality of Life Team, will provide no-cost green trash bags to community members for voluntary litter cleanups. Filled bags will be collected by the sanitation team during regular trash removal.
What You Can Do
Learn More About Zero Waste and How to Put the Principles to Practice
Youth workers from Worcester Green Corps helped us share information about recycling contamination with residents.