Bulk Waste Recycling Project Being Built

Construction began this week on a $750,000 recycling center in Worcester, Mass., that public works officials believe will solve the illegal dumping of bulk waste items in the city.

Public Works Commissioner Robert Moylan Jr. said the facility will give residents another way to dispose of their bulk items, which include appliances, furniture and tires.

“This will be another service offered by the DPW simultaneously with the existing bulk pickup service,” Moylan told the City Council Public Works Committee. “This should be a solution to the illegal dumping of bulk waste.”

Moylan anticipates the new recycling facility will open in early June.

He cautioned, however, that the opening of the drop-off recycling center will necessitate a reduction of funding for the bulk waste pickup program. He said some money currently budgeted for bulk waste pickup will have to be re-allocated to fund the operation of the recycling center.

Moylan said DPW officials are still working out plans on how the drop-off center will operate. He said consideration is being given to requiring those who want to drop off items at the center to make an appointment to avoid creating long lines of vehicles at the center.

District 1 Councilor Stephen Patton and District 2 Councilor Philip Palmieri said it will also be important to have a program in place for DPW employees to verify that those dropping items off at the recycling center are Worcester residents.

“This will not solve all of the issues, but it should put a dent in them,” Palmieri said. Worcester Telegram & Gazette