More Replacement Drivers Arrive as Waste Management Strike Continues

Waste Management says it won't pick up trash from residential customers on Monday and will intead focus on commercial collection routes with additional replacement drivers, according to a press release, as recycling and yard waste drivers remain on strike.

Company spokeswoman Robin Freedman said commercial customers should either set out or unlock containers today for garbage collection services.

The company's statement came on the fifth day of a strike called by the recycle and yard waste drivers represented by Teamsters Local 117. Local 174, which represents the garbage drivers, are honoring the strike as well.

The City of Seattle has notified Waste Management that it could face fees and fines totaling $1.25 million per day if collection services are not underway by Aug. 1.

Waste Management is urging businesses in cities it serves to place their trash out this week. According to the press release, "experienced WM substitute drivers" worked over the weekend "on critical stops in cities across the Puget Sound" and a second wave of experienced WM substitute drivers arrived on Saturday and Sunday. The company says they will be ready to work on Monday and replacement drivers identified during a job fair last month are being hired.

Waste Management pledged that it would collect up to twice the regular amount of missed services on the next regular service day at no additional charge, and to check http://wmnorthwest.com for regular updates on resuming normal garbage/recycling service.

Affected Residential Customers for Monday, July 30:

Auburn

Bothell

Burien

Federal Way

Kirkland

Maple Valley

Marysville

Mill Creek

Mukilteo

Newcastle

Pacific

Redmond

Renton

Sammamish

Seattle

WUTC Auburn/Federal Way

WUTC East Redmond/Novelty Hill

WUTC Enumclaw

WUTC Index

WUTC Mukilteo/South Everett

WUTC Snohomish

Renton will receive residential garbage collection service due to their unique every other week (EOW) collection frequency.

For more on Patch's continuing coverage of the dispute, click here.