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Olivier Named Arlington's Zero Waste Coordinator

Laura Olivier began her role on July 20th.

Post Date:08/11/2026 11:28 AM

Director of Public Works Michael Rademacher is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Olivier as the department’s new Zero Waste Coordinator. In this role, Olivier will lead the Town's curbside recycling and waste diversion programs, oversee compliance with local and state recycling regulations, and develop public education campaigns aimed at increasing recycling participation across residences, businesses, schools, and municipal buildings. She will also manage the Reuse & Recycle Center and Swap Shed, coordinate waste diversion events, and serve as staff liaison to the Zero Waste Arlington Committee.

“Laura brings deep, hands-on experience in every facet of recycling and waste diversion, from working the trucks to running a non-profit,” said Rademacher. “That range of experience will serve Arlington well as we continue to build out our Zero Waste programs.”

Olivier joins Arlington from Earthworm Recycling, a Somerville-based recycling nonprofit, where she has served as executive director since 2024. She began at Earthworm in 2018 as an outreach manager, working directly with hundreds of Boston-area offices to set up and troubleshoot recycling programs, and rode along on recycling trucks regularly to understand collection challenges firsthand. As executive director, she has overseen the organization's budget, staff, and operations.

“I'm thrilled to bring my experience in waste management home to Arlington,” said Olivier. “This is a community I know well, and I'm looking forward to putting that knowledge to work for my neighbors.”

Olivier holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. She first became interested in how a city manages its trash while studying abroad in Jaipur, India where she conducted an independent study project on solid waste management.

About the Department of Public Works
The Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains the Town's infrastructure and delivers essential services to residents, including road and sidewalk maintenance, water and sewer operations, trash and recycling collection, snow removal, and the upkeep of parks and public grounds. DPW is made up of several working divisions including Administration, Cemetery, Engineering, Highway/Water/Sewer, Motor Equipment Repair, and Natural Resources (Parks and Trees). It is the goal of DPW is to provide Arlington residents, boards, commissions and other Town departments with superior service and support.

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