Worcester Earth Day Returns In 2021 With 50 Cleanup Events

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester's annual citywide Earth Day cleanup event is back in 2021 after last year's cancellation. But organizers say the dozens of events planned across the city are already full.

The 2021 Earth Day cleanups will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday at 50 sites across the city, including at parks, community gardens and schools. The Regional Environmental Council (REC) — the annual event's main organizer — is no longer accepting volunteers for any of the sites.

Each cleanup site was limited to 10 volunteers this year because of coronavirus, according to REC. Volunteers will also have to wear masks and gloves, and remain 6 feet apart at all times.

The Earth Day cleanup events in Worcester began in 1989, and expanded in some years to include 70 sites and more than 1,000 volunteers. The nationwide Earth Day in 2021 will be observed on April 22.

If you didn't land a volunteer spot with REC this year, there are still ways to help keep Worcester clean. Find out more on the Keep Worcester Clean webpage, or report trash dumped on private property through the city website.