Republic Services trash pickups interrupted for time being - and why

Republic Services workers in Snohomish and King counties remain on strike in solidarity with Teamsters Local members who initiated a walkout at a Lacey landfill on July 9. Local services, including garbage and recycling pickups, are paused until the Lacey contract dispute is resolved. Republic Services has announced they are implementing measures to minimize service disruptions, which may include using drop-off locations for waste. Although local Teamsters members are not officially on strike, they have refrained from working due to the ongoing labor dispute. Union spokesman Matt McQuaid described the strike extension as a last resort following unsuccessful negotiations.

Republic Services is also negotiating five separate contracts nationwide, affecting 2,000 of their 6,000 Teamsters workers. The company has not clarified its plans for filling staffing gaps but may bring in drivers from other areas. The situation highlights ongoing labor tensions within the waste management sector, with significant implications for local waste collection services.