Waste Management drivers went on strike today. Most of Crown Hill’s pickup day is Wednesday. Some folk have reported they got garbage pickup only. Most say no pickups happened today. Haul the cans in, and put them out again next Wednesday.
Seattle Public Utilities press release states:
Disruptions in Solid Waste Collections
Customers missed today asked to put out all garbage, yard waste and recycling next Wednesday
As a strike by Teamster Union Local 117 continues, Waste Management is reporting that nearly all of its business and residential garbage, recycling and yard waste collections have stopped in Seattle today — and that many routes, in all wastes streams, will likely remain uncollected by the end of today.
The company also warns of continuing disruptions in solid waste collections tomorrow, Thursday, July 26.
Seattle Public Utilities SPU) asks recycling customers who were missed for collection today to put out their recycling next Wednesday, Aug. 1. There will be no charge for additional items placed at the curb.
Thursday customers should put their garbage, yard waste and recycling out before 7 a.m. tomorrow.
The strike could affect about 60 percent of the city, in Northwest and South Seattle. Teamster Local 117’s contract with Waste Management expired May 31. In Seattle, Local 117 represents only recycling drivers, and other drivers are covered by separate labor agreements. However, Waste Management is reporting that yard and garbage drivers also stopped collecting today.
Collections by CleanScapes, which covers about 40 percent of the city are not impacted by the strike.
SPU Director Ray Hoffman said that although the City of Seattle is not part of the negotiations between Waste Management and the Teamsters, he expects the two parties continue to engage in good faith negotiations toward a speedy and successful outcome.
Under its contract with the city, Waste Management is required to continue services in the event of any disruption. Specifically, any missed collections due to any labor complications must be collected later in the week, or the following week. Waste Management will not be paid for any non-service.
The contract allows the city to deduct approximately $4,500 per day in payments to Waste Management for any services that are not completed the next day. For any interruptions that continue more than a week, contractors can also be fined substantially for service failure, up to $250,000 per day.
“Protecting public health and safety will continue to be the city’s guiding principle throughout this collection disruption,†Hoffman said.
SPU will provide updates as needed. Customers with solid waste service issues or concerns may call the Call Center at 206-684-3000.
Customers with labor/union questions or concerns should contact Waste Management or Teamsters Local 117.