Worcester Earth Day Neighborhood Litter Cleanups Coming In April

WORCESTER, MA — Annual Earth Day litter pickups in Worcester are coming up in April, and there's still time for residents to sign up to participate.

The Regional Environmental Council has sponsored the cleanups every year for 34 years, coordinating cleanups across the city for large and small groups. This year's cleanups are being sponsored by National Grid and done in partnership with the city's Department of Public Works and Parks.

The sign-up period for large groups ended on March 22, but groups of five or fewer people can still register with REC. The April 20 cleanups will run from 8 a.m. to noon, with a post-pickup cookout planned from noon to 2 p.m. at the REC office at 42 Lagrange St.

This year, anyone who attends the cookout can bring backyard soil for lead testing. Here are instructions on how to participate.

"We are thrilled to partner with the City of Worcester Department of Public Works & Parks, National Grid, and our many generous sponsors to once again host a city-wide cleanup to celebrate Earth Day here in Worcester," REC Executive Director Steve Fischer said in a news release. "This event brings hundreds of volunteers together from all walks of life to spend a Saturday morning together making a difference in our neighborhoods, welcoming the change of seasons by giving the city we all love the spring-cleaning it deserves."