The Cambridge Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) 1.0 was finalized in 2018 and resulted in the following changes to Cambridge’s waste programs:
- Expand Curbside Compost access to all residential buildings
- Begin Small Business Compost Program
- Begin Small Business Recycle Program
- Begin Mattress Recycling Program
- Start Textiles Recovery program
- Improve Recycling with Recycle Right campaign
- Extend Yard Waste Collection by 2 weeks (thru Dec. 31)
- Launch Standard Trash Carts
Through ZWMP 1.0, the City was able to achieve its first trash reduction goal: Reducing trash 30% by 2020, with 2008 as a baseline.
Starting in 2024, the City is working on ZWMP 2.0. The goal of this Plan are to:
- Meet trash reduction goals: 50% reduction by 2030 and 80% reduction by 2050 from 2008 waste levels,
- Improve sanitation and reduce rodent activity,
- Combat climate change by diverting waste from the trash, and
- Make the City’s waste programs more accessible.
June 12, 2024: The Department of Public Works (DPW) hosted a kick-off event at the King-Open School to gather feedback on the City’s waste programs.
July 15-Sept 6, 2024: Resident Stakeholder online survey was publicized.
October 22, 2024: DPW presented to the City Council’s Health & Environment Committee on 9 draft strategies to implement starting in 2025.
October 31, 2024: Feedback being accepted on Draft Strategies. Please submit your feedback by November 30, 2024 through this form.
Zero Waste Master Plan 1.0 was finalized in 2018. It was implemented through 2024. ZWMP 2.0 is in the process of development:
June 12, 2024: Zero Waste Plan Kick-Off
July 15, 2024: Zero Waste Plan online survey opened.
September 6, 2024: Zero Waste Plan online survey closed.
October 22, 2024: City Council Health & Environment Committee hearing on Draft Strategies
October 31-November 30, 2024: Feedback being accepted on Draft Strategies
February 28, 2025: Proposed Completion of Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0
In 2009, the City of Cambridge adopted the State’s goal of reducing trash 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, with 2008 as a baseline. As of 2023, the City has reduced trash by 35%. The City was able to surpass the 2020 goal due to the programs and measures implemented through the first Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP). The first ZWMP helped the City launch curbside compost citywide, curbside mattress and textiles collection, a Small Business Recycle and Compost program, and more. To learn more about the efforts from the first ZWMP, watch this recording of Recycling Director Mike Orr’s presentation to the community in early-2024.
Since then, the City has adopted an intermediate goal of reducing trash 50% by 2030.
To accomplish these trash reduction goals, the City recognizes the incredible efforts by residents from all corners of the City to be more conscientious of their waste, so thank you, residents of Cambridge! The update to the ZWMP in 2024 will build upon our current waste management system and programs. The recommendations developed for the ZWMP are intended to support the Department of Public Works’ (DPW) guiding principles of providing high-quality public services, protecting and supporting the health of employees and the public, managing costs, combat climate change and reducing trash.