UPDATED: Trash Strike – Sides Going into Mediation, Letter from City Manager, Watertown Human Rights Commission Weighs In

Watertown DPWTrash and recycling collection has been impacted by the trash strike that began on July 1.

(UPDATED Friday, July 11, 2:50 p.m. – The letter signed by City Manager George Proakis was added)

The trash strike entered its 11th day on Friday, and the two sides — Republic Services and Teamsters Local 25 — said they will be going into mediation. City Manger George Proakis and other municipal heads sent a letter to Republic Services.

Weather Forecast: Cloudy Days Clear for Sunny, Hot Conditions

A bit of a weather rollercoaster sets up across the area this week. After a day of local heavy downpours on Thursday, a slow-moving front lingers nearby. Conditions gradually improve by the weekend, with dry weather, brightening skies, and seasonable warmth. Then, from Monday through midweek, summer arrives in full force. A southwest flow brings rising temperatures and muggy air, with highs soaring into the upper 80s and low 90s. A few scattered afternoon thunderstorms are possible, but most days will be dominated by heat, humidity, and hazy sunshine.

Marshall Home Fund Awards $76K for Watertown’s Older Adults, Has Awarded Over $1 Million Over 20 Years

2025 Marshall Home Fund Grant recipients at the Grant Award Ceremony on May 15, 2025. (Photo from Marshall Home Fund)

The following announcement was provided by the Marshall Home Fund:

The Board of Directors of the Marshall Home Fund (MHF) is very pleased to announce the recipients of its latest round of program grant awards. This spring, the Board of Directors pledged $76,000 to local organizations for programs that will benefit residents of Watertown who are ages 55 and older. In awarding this latest round of grants, the MHF has surpassed a total of $1 million awarded over a 20-year period for the benefit of older adults in Watertown.

Trash Strike Continues, Sides Have Not Met This Week

Overflowing trash and recycling bins on Main Street during the trash strike. (Photo by Dean Martino)

The two sides have not come to an agreement on the trash strike impacting Watertown and 11 other communities, and it appears they have not been at the negotiation table since last week. The City says replacement crews continue to pick up trash, and missed collections will be dealt with later in the day.