Trash Collections Continue, Some Areas Still Awaiting Pickup

Watertown DPWCurbside trash and recycling has restarted but some residents still await pickups. The City of Watertown provided the following update on trash collection, and announced that the emergency drop off location on at 148 Waltham St. will be open again on Wednesday, July 9 from 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. See the announcement below. Curbside pickup will continue tomorrow, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with regularly scheduled Wednesday B week services in Watertown. Republic Services replacement crews were in Watertown collecting trash and recycling today, July 8, 2025, for those with Tuesday trash pickup, and B week recycling pickup.

Trash Collection Resumes, Emergency Trash Option Available

Watertown DPWTrash and recycling pickups resumed Monday. Republic Services resumed trash and recycling pickup on Monday, while contract negotiations continue. Residents who have overflowing garbage bins can drop off items at a drop off location. Trash can be dropped off at 148 Waltham St. on Tuesday, July 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., City officials announced Monday.

Trash & Recycling Pickup Resumes This Week, Other Services Delayed

Watertown DPWTrash and recycling pickup begins again this week. The City of Watertown announced that trash and recycling collection will resume beginning Monday. The strike continues, but Republic Services will use replacement crews to do the collection. While trash and curbside recycling resumes, the City’s Recycling Center will not be open, and curbside yard waste collection will not resume this week. See more details in the announcement from the City below:

Trash and recycling curbside pickup in Watertown will resume on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Watertown City Manager, Municipal Leaders Urge Swift Resolution to Trash Strike

Watertown DPWWatertown trash and recycling pickup has been uncollected since July 1 when workers at Republic Services went on strike. Watertown City Manager George Proakis joined several mayors, town managers, and town administrators urging company Republic Services to come to a deal to end the strike that has stopped trash and recycling collection since July 1, 2025. The letter also identifies weaknesses in the company’s response to the situation, including slowness of deploying backup resources and lack of communication. See the letter below. Dear Members of the Republic Services Leadership Team,

We write to you as municipal leaders from across the region and as customers of Republic Services, regarding the ongoing work stoppage caused by stalled union negotiations.

Trash Strike Continues, See When Pickups Could Resume

Watertown DPWWatertown’s trash and recycling pick up will be cancelled for Wednesday, July 2. The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Curbside trash and recycling pickup is cancelled on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, and for the remainder of this week, due to the on-going labor strike between the City’s contractor, Republic Services and their unionized workforce. Today, Republic Services informed the City of Watertown, in writing, that they will mobilize crews to provide curbside trash and recycling collection beginning again on Monday, July 7, 2025. If this does not occur, we will provide further information as it is available. Our Public Works and Communications team are communicating with the Republic Services’ team.

Trash & Recycling Pickup in Watertown Cancelled Tuesday Due to Strike

The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

Republic Services, Watertown’s trash and recycling contractor, has informed the City of Watertown that they were unable to reach an agreement with their employee union before the deadline on June 30, 2025, resulting in a labor strike beginning today, July 1, 2025. As a result, Republic Services is unable to provide curbside trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup on July 1, 2025, and the Watertown Recycling Center will be closed. The City’s composting program run by Black Earth remains on schedule. We remain in constant contact with Republic Services about contingency plans and we expect to make an announcement later today, July 1, 2025, with updates regarding tomorrow’s schedule. While this dispute is between a contractor and their employee union, we understand the impact this can have on our community and are remaining in contact with Republic Services and will be sharing an update today on the City’s website, social media, and the Everbridge Emergency Alert system.

Potential Trash Collection Strike Could Impact Watertown Residents

Watertown DPWWatertown 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.

See Info About New Years Hours for City Departments Trash Delays

The New Year holiday will impact hours at City facilities, including City Hall, the Library, and the Senior Center. Also, some residents will have trash and recycling pickup delays. See more in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. Watertown City Hall, Parker Annex, and Senior Center will be closing at noon on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and will be closed on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024. The Department of Public Works Office will be closing at 11 AM on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and will be closed on New Year’s Day.