WORCESTER—The city is asking Worcester artists to turn trash into treasure—well, at least into public art.
In a move that merges environmental goals with creative expression, Worcester announced Monday that it’s seeking designs from local artists to decorate the rear panels of its new dual-stream public waste bins, affectionately dubbed “WooBins.” A total of 50 designs will be selected, with each chosen artist receiving $300 for their work.
The bins, part of the city’s effort to keep neighborhoods cleaner and more sustainable, are going to be installed on sidewalks across Worcester. The artwork will face pedestrians, offering an unexpected splash of color—and hopefully, a touch of civic pride—to passersby.
The theme for the submissions is “Environmental Stewardship, Livable Clean Neighborhoods, and Sustainability in Worcester.” But this isn’t just about being green, according to the city’s announcement. Designs should also reflect the city’s diverse culture and communities, echoing both the municipality’s strategic plan and its Green Worcester Plan.
“The new waste bins will support our municipality’s mission to create clean spaces in our community,” said Miranda Hotham, the city’s Zero Waste coordinator. “The opportunity to add local art is an exciting way for us to transform our neighborhoods for a cleaner, brighter Worcester.”
Priority is given to artists or organizations who live or work in the city, and the project is open to just about everyone—seasoned professionals, students (with parental consent), neighborhood associations, and emerging artists alike.
Submissions are due by Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. Full application details, required dimensions, and submission requirements are available on the city’s project webpage.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your artwork outside a gallery—and next to a recycling bin—now’s your chance.
The artistic call follows a broader waste bin pilot program launched last month in the Green Island neighborhood and along Grafton Street, where 29 of the new bins have already been installed. The initiative is backed by $500,000 in funding that must be used by June 30. The bins are being placed based on more than 900 public suggestions, along with factors like sidewalk width, ADA compliance, and proximity to transit.
At the April 28 city council meeting, several councilors weighed in on the rollout. Councilor Luis Ojeda urged collaboration with neighborhood network centers, noting, “Some of these locations are near network centers,” and suggesting community groups help monitor the program. Chief Sustainability Officer John Odell said his department had “cast a wide net” and would follow up.
Odell also noted strong public demand, saying that while only 150 bins are planned, the city hopes they will have “a significant impact.”
Councilor George Russell pointed to sponsorship opportunities as a potential funding source, suggesting local colleges “pick up the tab” in exchange for visibility. The bins can accommodate ads on two-thirds of their exterior.
And yes—smart tech is in play. Council Vice Chair Khrystian King highlighted the cost-effective addition of fill sensors, crediting local activist Noah Rose for raising the idea. City Manager Eric Batista confirmed that the city plans to test the sensors before rolling out any formal advertising program.
As Ojeda said at the meeting: “It’s good to see more art in our city… to drive by and know whose art that is.”
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
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