As the Republic Services trash strike enters its third week, residents across Greater Boston are being urged to embrace patience and neighborly cooperation as municipal officials scramble to respond to uncollected waste.
The strike, which began July 1, stems from a breakdown in contract negotiations between the waste collection company and Teamsters Local 25. Many communities have halted curbside recycling collection and instructed residents to place only trash — secured in barrels with tight-fitting lids — at the curb. Any overflow must be taken to local transfer stations.
In a new development, Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver-General Deborah B. Goldberg has called on Republic Services to resolve the strike swiftly. In a letter addressed to Jon Vander Ark, president of Republic Services, Goldberg emphasized the urgent public health and economic implications of the disruption.
“Such avoidable disruptions come at a steep price for cities and towns that must manage public health concerns, mounting waste, and unanticipated costs that ultimately fall on local budgets and taxpayers,” Goldberg wrote.
“Massachusetts communities deserve partners who respect the workforce and uphold the standards that keep our neighborhoods clean and our economy strong,” she added. “I expect Republic Services to take swift action to resolve this matter responsibly.”
Republic Services maintains it is continuing to serve all 14 municipalities in Greater Boston despite the strike, though it claims union members have engaged in “violent actions and threats” to block service. The company has agreed to mediation after Teamsters allegedly reached out on July 14, and says it remains ready to negotiate.
The company said 45% of its Greater Boston drivers earned over $100,000 last year, and it covers 100% of medical premiums. Republic stated it offered a 39% wage increase over five years, with a 14% bump in the first year — terms they say surpass industry norms.
Republic also accused the union of damaging trucks, including slashing tires and tampering with fuel systems — allegations the union strongly denies.
Teamsters Local 25 President Thomas Mari accused Republic of “blatantly lying” and failing to return to the bargaining table since July 3.
“We are ready to meet 24/7, seven days a week, just to be clear. Stop playing games and get the deal done,” Mari wrote in a July 10 email to Republic.
In a statement on July 9, Mayor of Peabody Ted A. Bettencourt announced stalled negotiations between Republic Services and Teamsters, mentioning significant delays in trash pickup throughout the city.
Latest information from Republic noted they would only be picking up trash this week, not recycling. The delays are expected to continue, and residents should expect multiple days of holdup.
“I want to be very clear that Republic Services is failing in their service to the City of Peabody and is in clear violation of the terms of the contract with the City,” Bettencourt said, as some neighborhoods have not been picked up since the beginning of the strike on July 1.
“This is unacceptable,” he added.
Along with the city attorney, the financial director, and the Health Department, Bettencourt is exploring all legal options to hold Republic accountable and “get our community’s trash pickup back on a regular schedule.”
He apologized for the lack of specifics and guaranteed his best efforts to provide residents with information as he receives it.