Skip the Stuff ordinance starts next month

Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee · Meeting of October 26, 2026

Watertown's Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee heard that the city's "Skip the Stuff" ordinance takes effect next month, ending automatic plastic utensils and condiments with takeout orders. Sustainability Manager Laurel Schwab said the rule, modeled on Newton's program, cleared its six-month education period with no restaurant pushback, as the health department folds compliance into biannual inspections. Energy Manager Silas reported the Department of Public Works building is now fully electric for heating and cooling after four new air handling units came online, with City Hall's aging HVAC system next in line for roughly 50 valve and control replacements.

Solar installation is underway at Watertown High School, with activation testing beginning this week and full turn-on targeted for March. Co-chair Wally Cole, who is stepping down from co-chairing due to a scheduling conflict, floated adding "balcony solar" to a future rooftop solar ordinance update, calling it a way to let renters "put solar up" without an electrician.

In the full story:

• Roll Call and Minutes Approval
• Urban Forestry No-Show and Streaming Access
• Sustainability Manager Report
• Energy Manager Report
• Tree Canopy Survey and Tree Ordinance Status
• Zoning Overhaul, Rooftop Solar and a Pending Noise Ordinance
• BERDO-Style Ordinance Update
• New Business: Membership and Outreach
• Public Comment: Patrick Fairbairn on Urban Tree Policy
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,473 words

Source: the Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee meeting of October 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.