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City updates 0-waste master plan work, WOO Bin pilot and out-to-lunch zero-waste effort
Summary
Staff reported the waste characterization study is complete and previewed a July public workshop for the 0-waste master plan. The WOO Bin pilot (30 bins) is expanding toward a goal of 150 bins with public art, and the city plans to supply compostable foodware for out-to-lunch events this summer.
City staff updated the Green Worcester committee May 12 on the 0-waste master plan, the waste-characterization study and several pilot projects.
Staff said the waste-characterization study is complete and the analysis is ongoing. A handout and a survey barcode were available to meeting attendees; staff asked committee members to share the survey with their networks. Three public workshops will support the 0-waste master plan, with a confirmed workshop on July 16 at the senior center and two additional sessions planned for September and November. Those workshops will be in-person (with alternating online sessions planned elsewhere), staff said.
On the WOO Bin public waste-bin pilot, staff said the city has about 30 pilot bins in place and plans to expand to roughly 150 citywide, with an artist-call for artwork on about 50 units and a $300 stipend for selected artists. Early usage data shows the dual-stream bins encourage recycling separation; staff described compliance as preliminary and improving as warmer weather increases use.
Staff also reported an expanded out-to-lunch zero-waste collaboration: through a grant the city will provide compostable foodware for vendors at all 10 out-to-lunch events this year, aiming for a full season of zero-waste events and reducing vendor cost barriers.
No formal policy changes were adopted at the meeting; staff requested public participation at workshops and continued feedback through the survey and upcoming events.
