Why your trash may not be getting picked up in Western WA

Trash pickup is halted across parts of Western Washington as garbage collectors and other workers strike against Republic Services. 

The actions are part of what the Teamsters union called an aggressive expansion of “a nationwide strike for fair contracts.”

Republic Services issued service alerts advising customers that collection services are suspended “due to an out-of-market labor disruption.” The alerts were issued in Bellevue, Kent, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Renton and unincorporated King and Snohomish Counties, among other service locations. 

Such alerts have not been issued by Republic Services for Seattle or Everett.

It is unclear when the strikes will end, but Republic Services said the company will collect double garbage, recycling and organic materials on their next regularly scheduled service day at no additional charge.

Workers began picketing outside the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, KING 5 reported, protesting alleged unfair labor practices.

Republic Teamsters, represented by Local 252, initiated the picketing and the strike in Lacey, the union announced. Those workers operate a transfer facility that is used by waste companies across Thurston County, including cities like Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Yelm.

Victor Mineros, director of the Teamsters’ solid waste and recycling division acknowledged the service disruption, saying in a statement the company can “easily afford a fair and competitive contract that meets the needs of everyday hardworking Americans.”

There are more than 2,000 Teamsters on strike against the garbage collector service across the country with more strikes expected soon, the union said.

“Republic Services is in contract negotiations with the union representing some employees at our Lacey facility, and four locations in other areas outside the state,” Republic Services told KOMO.