Zero Waste Plan 2.0 Kick-Off Event Wednesday, June 12

The City of Cambridge is embarking on our second Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) and we need your feedback on the City’s waste programs. The City is hosting a Kick-Off event with free food, kids’ activities, face painting and more! Join us on June 12, anytime between 5:30-7:30pm at the King Open School (850 Cambridge St).

The first ZWMP was finalized in 2018 and helped launch 10 programs to reduce trash in Cambridge. The 2024 update to the ZWMP will build upon our current waste management system and programs to:

• Reduce trash 50% by 2030, and 80% by 2050 (2008 is baseline)
• Better control rodents
• Combat climate change
• Maintain excellent collection and disposal services
• Manage increasing trash disposal costs

If you’re unable to attend or would like to comment on the Plan in Español, Português, 普通话, አማርኛ, or Kreyòl Ayisyen please visit www.CambridgeMA.Gov/ZWMP after June 12. Or, you may email Recycling Director Mike Orr at recycle@cambridgema.gov with comments.


Background Information:

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%. Since then, the City has adopted an intermediate goal of reducing trash 50% by 2030.

The City was able to surpass the 2020 goal due to the programs and measures implemented through the first ZWMP and the incredible efforts by residents from all corners of the City to be more conscientious of their waste. 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.