Seattle's trash pickups stay on track as strike hits suburbs
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Seattle garbage and recycling pickups are still happening. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios
Seattle residents are still getting their trash, recycling and compost picked up, despite a garbage strike affecting collection in other cities.
Why it matters: Some Seattleites have received text messages telling them their pickup will be delayed — but that's not the case within the city limits.
State of play: Waste collection has been temporarily suspended elsewhere, including in Kent, Covington, Renton, Bellevue, Sammamish, Monroe, Snohomish, Lake Forest Park, Sultan and Clyde Hill, according to Republic Services, the waste company whose employees are striking.
- Unincorporated King and Snohomish counties are also affected, Republic told Axios.
- Customers in those areas will have their recycling and waste collected on their next scheduled service day, similar to when there are weather disruptions, the company said.
By the numbers: About 2,000 workers nationwide are participating in the strike or honoring picket lines, including about 350 union members in Washington, Teamsters union spokesperson Matt McQuaid told Axios.
What they're saying: In a press release Wednesday, Teamsters general president Sean M. O'Brien accused Republic Services of underpaying its workers.
- "We will flood the streets and shut down garbage collection in state after state," O'Brien said.
- In an emailed statement, Republic said the company respects workers' bargaining rights and "is ready to continue discussions."
Zoom in: A picket line was active Thursday outside Republic's recycling center in South Seattle, which processes Seattle customers' recycling after it is collected.
- But because the city's contractors that collect curbside bins, WM and Recology, are still providing services, city residents shouldn't see their pickups disrupted, Brad Wong of Seattle Public Utilities told Axios.
The bottom line: Seattle residents should still put out their bins for collection on their usual day — but if you live outside the city, you should check with your service provider.