The City of Watertown’s emergency drop-off site for trash and recycling will also now accept yard waste.
The trash strike that started July 1 continues, and the City has set up a drop-off site at the former Sterritt Lumber site, 148 Waltham St., for residents to use. The temporary facility is open Monday-Friday, from 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for Watertown residents.
The City’s Trash Strike updates said: “Please limit your drop-off to 3 bags of household trash, the equivalent amount of recycling that would fit in your bins, and a maximum of three bags of yard waste. Please prepare to show a license or utility bill to confirm Watertown residency.”
The announcement also said: “For yard waste drop-off, please empty the contents of your bag(s) or barrel(s) into the designated dumpster, then dispose of the bag(s) separately.”
Republic Services will continue to collect trash, recycling, and yard waste with replacement crews for the striking Teamsters Local 25 crews.
Watertown residents can also participate in the curbside composting, which is not subject to the strike. The free program is run by Black Earth Compost, which can provide information about how to take part.
The Watertown Recycling Center, which is run by Republic, remains closed due to the strike.
For updates from the City on trash, recycling and more, click here.
Once again, thank you for this drop off option for yard waste. I’m wondering if you’ve been looking into a Saturday option for those who can’t get to Waltham Street on a weekday?
We’re all rolling with this as best we can. Any progress in Republic negotiations?
This is not sustainable for very much longer. Fall leaves will be dropping soon and cold, icy and inclement weather is on its way!
Thanks for the option. We need to cut Republic, once the contract has ended, if this is how they will operate. Black Earth Compost is great. I am glad we opted in years ago. Thanks to Councilor Palomba for getting the ball rolling on this free compost pickup program. Toters are free too. Sign up if you have not.
Composting is an excellent option and reduces trash rotting in the heat. Cambridge DPW has been collecting the green barrels for years and even expanded it to restaurants and commercial buildings. Watertown should follow suit
@Timothy, Watertown already offers free compost collection through Black Earth Compost for residents who sign up. It is not affected by the strike.
Yeah I understand but it’s limited to residential, don’t know why because restaurants produce lots more compost
I like that idea because one it is true, two it would likely have a positive impact on keeping rat population down, and three there would be more soil for Watertown residents at the next recycle event. That soil goes fast. I see parents using their children and toy buckets to get an extra bucket of it. Teasing, it is good to see kids in the dirt and not on a device.