Republic Services drivers on strike - no collections in Lake Forest Park or Kenmore until contract is settled

Republic Services suspended waste collection in Lake Forest Park and Kenmore on July 11, 2025, due to a labor strike involving their drivers represented by the Teamsters union. The company will collect double the amount of garbage, recycling, and organic materials on the next scheduled service day without additional fees as a gesture towards affected customers. Those impacted will also receive a credit for the service portion of their rates on their upcoming bill. The Teamsters union has over 2,000 members on strike across the nation, highlighting the widespread labor unrest affecting various sectors. In nearby Shoreline and parts of Seattle, Recology provides waste collection services, with their drivers also being union members.

Teamsters Local Union No. 174 has an active contract with Recology CleanScapes, which began on April 1, 2021, and runs through March 31, 2026. This strike reflects ongoing labor disputes that are impacting service delivery across multiple regions. Local officials are monitoring the situation as Republic Services provides updates to customers about the strike's resolution.