Background

Worcester, MA (pop. 182,669), is the second-largest city in all of New England, trailing only Boston, located about 45 miles to the east. The city’s Department of Public Works & Parks is in charge of the single-stream recycling program, which utilizes free recycling bins for collection. If needed, additional bins can be purchased from the DPW&P Customer Service Center (76 E. Worcester St.) for $3.

Materials recycled

Paper Newspapers and inserts, magazines, phone books, catalogs, junk mail, envelopes, office/mixed paper, brown bags, paperboard and corrugated cardboard (cut to 3×3 or smaller and placed under or beside recycling bin) are accepted. Plastics Plastic jugs, plastic bottles, plastic jars, milk/juice cartons and plastic drink boxes are accepted (rinsed and flattened when possible). Metals Aluminum cans, tin/steel cans, aluminum foil and aluminum pie tins are accepted (rinsed and flattened when possible). Glass Glass bottles and jars (all colors; rinsed) are accepted.

Frequency

Worcester residents take recyclables to the curb on a weekly basis on the same day as refuse collection. Bins must be placed curbside between 6 and 7:30 a.m on collection day, at least 4 feet from the refuse and other obstructions. A collection map is available online.

Other programs

Worcester’s residential drop-off center (1065 Millbury St.; open April to November on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. [4 p.m. in November]) collects bulky items, hard-to-recycle items, household hazardous waste, tires, appliances and more. For a complete list of accepted materials, click here. Fees may apply. Proof of residency is required.

More information

Visit the City of Worcester Trash & Recycling website for more recycling program info.