Wakefield Provides Update On Trash Collection Issues

WAKEFIELD, MA — The ongoing dispute between Republic Services and its workers has disrupted trash service around the region.

The Town of Wakefield issued the following statement on the matter:

Republic Services, the Town’s trash and recycling hauler, is still in negotiations with its employees, whose contract expired on June 30. Last Thursday, leaders of area communities wrote a letter to the Republic Services executive team urging all parties to return to the negotiating table in good faith to reach a fair and timely resolution. The message also noted that an absence of unified communication to impacted municipalities has contributed to confusion and frustration.

The letter reads, in part, “Municipal leaders have not received consistent or coordinated updates from Republic Services throughout the negotiating process or following the work stoppage announcement. This has hindered our ability to effectively inform residents, plan municipal operations, and manage expectations during a service disruption…We continue to respect the collective bargaining process and the rights of workers to negotiate fair terms. At the same time, we expect clearer, more proactive communication and contingency planning moving forward.” It was signed by the communities of Beverly, Canton, Danvers, Gloucester, Ipswich, Lynnfield, Malden, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Peabody, Swampscott, Wakefield, and Watertown.

Since the strike began, Wakefield’s Public Works Department has been providing curbside collection service to minimize impact to residents and reduce the public health risks that lingering trash can create. Although labor negotiations have not been resolved, Republic has secured staff to service some, but not all, of its customer routes. At the present time, Republic’s service in Wakefield would be intermittent and supplemented by our Public Works Department when necessary.

We appreciate your patience as the service disruption continues. When Republic is back working in Wakefield, collection may take longer than typical as crews become acclimated to what may be new routes for them. If your barrels are not picked up as expected, please leave them out for collection the following day.

If you have any questions, you can reach the Public Works office at 781-246-6301, ext. 4120.