Arlington Names New Recycling Efforts Leader

ARLINGTON, MA — A new Zero Waste Coordinator has been appointed to lead the town's recycling and waste diversion efforts.

Laura 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 and Recycle Center and Swap Shed, coordinate waste diversion events, and serve as staff liaison to the Zero Waste Arlington Committee.

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Olivier most recently served as executive director of Earthworm Recycling, a Somerville-based recycling nonprofit.

She first joined Earthworm in 2018 as a truck helper and customer outreach manager before later becoming the organization's director of administration. She was named executive director in 2024, overseeing the nonprofit's budget, staff and operations. Before joining Earthworm, Olivier spent four years working as an environmental science educator in Lawrence.

Olivier has also previously volunteered with Food Link, a food rescue organization based in Arlington. From 2018 to 2021, she picked up surplus produce from a Somerville grocery store, sorted it and delivered it to the Arlington Food Pantry.

Olivier graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor's degree in environmental studies. While studying abroad in Jaipur, India, she conducted an independent study project examining the city's solid waste management system.

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

Olivier said she is looking forward to bringing her waste management experience to Arlington and putting that experience to work in the community.

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