WORCESTER, Mass. - Worcester launched its Clean City Program to make Worcester a clean place to live, visit and work. 

"I think we are moving in the right direction," Jay Fink, Commissioner of Worcester's Department of Public Works and Parks, said. "I really wish we had gotten farther along."

Part of the program created four additional positions at the DPW. Two of the positions are with the Quality of Life team, dealing with trash on private property. The other two positions would be within the department, dedicated to fighting litter throughout the city.

Like a lot of other businesses, bringing in new employees has been a challenge. 

"It's in the budget. I am ready for it," Fink said. "I wish we had a few more hands and bodies out there doing a little more work." 

What You Need To Know

  • Worcester DPW is struggling to find new employees to fill additional positions added through the Clean City Program
  • The COVID-19 pandemic also delayed new educational recycle bins with lids 
  • New recycle bins are expected to be available sometime in October
  • The city has expanded sweeping areas, deployed nuisance inspectors and added more receptacles 

The launch of new recyclable bins has also been delayed. The bins will have lids and limit overflow and trash from blowing away. The DPW originally planned to roll them out shortly after Labor Day. 

"The manufacturers of the bins are having a very hard time getting the resin needed to make the bins," Fink explained. "The price just keeps going up and up and up."

The bins double as an educational campaign. They come with stickers and QR codes, informing residents what is and isn't recyclable. 

"We really want to let people know what you can and can't recycle," Fink said.

The department said the hope is to have 20,000 bins ready to hand out some time in October. 

Despite the unforeseen challenges, the city has expanded its sweeping areas, deployed nuisance inspectors and added more receptacles downtown.