Watertown DPW Watertown trash and recycling toters.
UPDATE: Due to the strike trash and recycling pickup in Watertown will be cancelled on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. See more here.
Watertown residents may feel the impact of a looming strike by employees of the company that picks up trash and recycling around the City.
The contract between Republic Services and Teamsters Local 25 ends on June 30, 2025, and a strike could occur if a new deal is not reached. The workers seek improved wages, health care, and paid time off, according to a report by Boston 25 News.
Watertown News reached out to City of Watertown officials to see if a strike would be felt by people in town.
“Though this matter is between a contractor and its employees, we recognize the importance of the services they provide to our residents. Republic Services has informed us they intend to provide service to help limit the effects a work stoppage might have, however in the event one occurs, we anticipate the potential for delays and impacts on the City’s solid waste pick-up and our recycling center,” said Tyler Cote, the City’s Community Engagement Specialist. “The City’s composting program, provided by the contractor, Black Earth, will be unaffected.”
Watertown officials will be in contact with Republic about the negotiations, Cote said, and updates about trash and recycling services will be posted on the City’s social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram), and the City’s Everbridge Emergency Alert system.
One would think that a company with so many awards, including Certified Best Place to Work
(https://media.republicservices.com/awards) could have avoided this strike before the end of its contract. Time for Republic’s non-union workers to get behind the wheel.
Interesting also, according to 25 News, that most towns that are affected are N. Shore. Nearby, only Arlington uses Republic.
Lucky us. Time to look for another vendor if this is not resolved forthwith.