CC 2026-69 · Agenda item attachment · Aug 3 2026

1 MINUTES OF THE CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, May 26, 2026 HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Nolan, Chair Councillor Al-Zubi Vice Mayor Azeem Councillor McGovern Councillor Zusy A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Health and Environment Committee was held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The meeting was Called to Order at 11:00 a.m. by the Chair, Councillor Nolan. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 adopted by Massachusetts General Court and approved by the Governor, the City is authorized to use remote participation. This public meeting was hybrid, allowing participation in person, in the Sullivan Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA and by remote participation via Zoom. At the request of the Chair, Clerk of Committees Erwin called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Present/Remote Vice Mayor Azeem – Absent Councillor McGovern – Present/Remote Councillor Nolan – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Councillor Zusy – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Present – 4, Absent – 1. Quorum established. Councillor Nolan offered opening remarks (Attachment A) and noted that the Call of the meeting was to review and discuss implementation of Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) 2.0, adopted by Council in June 2025, including review of draft ordinance changes as recommended by the ZWMP 2.0. Present at the meeting was Commissioner of Public Works, John Nardone, Deputy Commissioner, Jennifer Mathews, Environmental Services Manager, John Fitzgerald, Recycling Director, Michael Orr, and Deputy City Solicitor, Elliott Veloso. Councillor Nolan shared she would open public comment for those who wish to speak before the presentation and would also hold public comment again after the presentation. Paolo, Rebusco, 179 Spring Street, Cambridge, MA, noted the importance of taking into account the trash that is produced with synthetic turfs. Debbie Gayle, Hammond Street, Cambridge, MA, spoke in strong support of the City Council passings the amendments to the ZWMP 2.0

2 Councillor Nolan recognized the team from DPW who gave a presentation on the Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0. The presentation was provided in advance of the meeting and included in the Agenda Packet. Councillor Nolan opened public comment. Helen Walker, 43 Linnaean Street, Cambridge, MA, raised concerns that the proposed trash limits may impact families with children and condo owners who pay for private trash collection. Rob, 40 Inman Street, Cambridge, MA, spoke in strong support of the City Council passings the amendments to the ZWMP 2.0 Amy Waltz, Blakeslee Street, Cambridge, MA, spoke in strong support of the City Council passings the amendments to the ZWMP 2.0 Helen, Fayette Park, Cambridge, MA, spoke in strong support of the City Council passings the amendments to the ZWMP 2.0 Councillor Nolan reviewed the process on how these amendments can move forward, noting that they do not need to go to Ordinance for more discussion and can be passed to a second reading at a Regular City Council meeting. Councillor Nolan recognized Councillor McGovern who thanked the staff for their presentation and asked how the proposed trash limits would affect families with young children using diapers or residents that have medical needs that may produce additional waste. John Nardone explained that households will have enough space for their trash if they are recycling and composting properly. John Nardone added that staff will help to educate and work with residents if a larger trash bin is needed. Councillor McGovern noted the importance of education and outreach and shared his support for the proposed amendments Councillor Nolan recognized Councillor Al-Zubi who thanked staff for their work and asked for more information related to the different fluctuations in food waste data. Michael Orr pointed out that the fluctuations in food waste data reflect food waste collection during COVID-19, noting that collection temporarily stopped during that time. Councillor Al-Zubi asked for more information on outreach efforts to the community. Michael Orr shared that outreach is focused on multifamily properties, especially in areas with rodent concerns. Councillor Al-Zubi acknowledged that during move in and move out months for college students, there may be an increase in waste, and asked the team how they approach that. Michael Orr and John Nardone shared that the City has a partnership with Furnishing Hope which helps with the reuse of furniture but noted that there are challenges due to the limited amount of storage space when they are collecting the furniture. Councillor Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy who thanked staff and shared her support for the proposed amendments. Councillor Zusy offered comments related to efforts being made towards the reuse of furniture and provided suggestions on how the City may be able to address some of their challenges, such as using vacant store fronts. Councillor Zusy asked for more information

3 related to the City’s Waste Composition Study and the impact of online shopping on recycling. Michael Orr shared that the Waste Composition Study focused on residential properties that the City serves and noted that packing from online ordering has not had a significant increase in recycling. Councillor Zusy asked how larger residential buildings will be incorporated into the proposed zero waste requirements. John Nardone explained how larger buildings will be required to submit a plan for zero-waste and City collection will continue only where buildings are meeting the operational requirements, and that those that are eligible for recycling and food waste collections will still be free of charge. Councillor Nolan shared her excitement for the proposed changes and noted that there is a need to update the plastic bag ordinance based on what the City has learned since it was adopted. Councillor Nolan echoed comments made by Councillor Zusy and agreed it would be beneficial to have a permanent location where residents can donate and pick up reusable household items. Councillor Nolan offered comments related to construction and demolition debris from City projects and asked how those materials are managed and recycled. Councillor Nolan pointed out that it is important part of the City’s long-term ZWMP goals. John Nardone shared that most construction materials are recycled in accordance with State requirements and that staff are always looking for other opportunities to improve waste diversion. Councillor Nolan made a motion to forward the proposed recommendations from the Department of Public Works to the Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0 to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a second reading. Clerk of Committees Erwin called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Absent Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Yes – 4, No – 0, Absent – 1. Motion passed. *Councillor Nolan and the members of the Committee submitted Policy Order 2026-110 at the June 1, 2026 Regular City Council meeting along with City Manager’s Agenda Item 2026-170. (Attachment B) CMA 2026-170 was passed to a second reading at the June 22, 2026 Regular City Council meeting. Councillor Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy who made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Clerk of Committees Erwin called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Absent Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Yes – 4, No – 0, Absent – 1. Motion passed. The Health and Environment Committee adjourned at approximately 12:17p.m. Attachment A – Opening remarks from Councillor Nolan (not verbatim).

4 Attachment B – POR 2026-110 and CMA 2026-170. Attachment C – Communications from the public. Clerk’s Note: The City of Cambridge/22 City View records every City Council meeting and every City Council Committee meeting. The video for this meeting can be viewed at: May 26, 2026 Health and Environment Committee - Cambridge, MA