Arlington’s EcoFest is a time of learning, volunteering, and celebrating from April 22 – May 21.
Most town-wide events are free, and most are open to the public. Some schools have special events just for their school community.
What used to be a single day celebrated on Earth Day, April 22, has evolved into nearly a month of environmental education and celebration.
View the full list of EcoFest events here.
Here’s a snapshot of this year’s zero waste-related events.
EcoFest Community Events
4/26 EcoFest Summit: Growing Our Sustainable and Resilient Community
A vibrant in-person event dedicated to fostering sustainability and resilience.
April 26, 10am-2pm, Town Hall. Open to all!
This year’s EcoFest Summit will center around the theme, “Growing Our Sustainable and Resilient Community,” exploring actionable strategies for enhancing sustainability at home and in public through collaboration and community engagement. Participants will learn how to implement eco-friendly landscaping practices that promote biodiversity, conserve water, and reduce carbon footprints. Additionally, discussions will center on the Town’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, providing insights into how residents can contribute to this ambitious goal through energy-efficient practices and sustainable living.
5/14 AHS EcoFair
3-6pm, Free, AHS Mass. Ave. lawn
The annual High School event is open to the public and features live music from student bands, food and ice cream, crafts, lawn games, and activities run by student leaders of environmental initiatives. (rain date May 20). More info.
Related Programs
5/8 Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Regent Theater, May 8, 7:30pm, $25 admission
5/21 Fighting Climate Change Together
6:30-8:30pm Arlington Community Education session, $10
It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of climate change, but each of us can take meaningful action to make a difference.
A panel of local experts will lead an insightful discussion on practical steps we can take in our daily lives.
Sean Garballey (State Representative)
Lori Kenschaft (Town of Arlington’s Energy Advocate)
Charlotte Milan (Town of Arlington’s Recycling Coordinator)
Claire Moodie (Mothers Out Front)
Together, we’ll explore key areas such as food choices, energy use, transportation, waste management, and recycling, identifying specific ways to create positive change both individually and as a community.
Discover valuable local resources, including programs at the Robbins Library. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a personal action plan, resource materials, and a renewed sense of hope.
Special Reuse, Recycling & More
5/3 Fixit Clinic
2:30-4:30, Robbins Library, Free, registration requested
Bring your broken, non-functioning things — electronic gadgets, appliances, computers, toys, sewing machines, bicycles, fabric items, etc.– for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair.
5/10 Bike Bonanza bike collection
12:30-3:30pm
Donate your old/outgrown bikes to the Bike Connector that will find new homes for them. More info.
Regular Reuse, Recycling & More
5/3 Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Lexington Compost Facility, Hartwell Ave, registration required.
Drop off automotive products, household cleaners, oil-based paints, aerosols, batteries, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.
5/4 Reuse & Recycling Center
9am-12pm, 33 Ryder St., registration required
Bring electronics, textiles, scrap metal, books and more!
Note: Weekday appointments are also available
5/4 Swap Shed
12-2pm (also Thursdays 4:30-6:30pm), 33 Ryder St.
Free items offered include household goods, home decor, games, books and more. More info.
5/10 Document Shredding
9am-12pm, 33 Ryder St., Free to residents
Businesses pay $5 per box, 2 box limit.
