DIY garbage day: Richmond residents told to haul their own trash

Richmond residents are dealing with widespread trash collection disruptions as a nationwide strike by the Teamsters against Republic Services continues to affect garbage and recycling pickup throughout the city.

In response to the ongoing garbage collection strike, Republic Services has started offering West County residents a temporary drop-off option at the Golden Bear Transfer Station in Richmond.

According to a recorded voicemail from the company, residents can bring up to four bags of household waste per visit at no charge. The site is located at 1 Parr Boulevard (in North Richmond off the Richmond Parkway). The facility operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The move is intended to provide relief to residents while curbside collection remains suspended. To use the service, residents must show proof of residency. Bulky items and hazardous waste will not be accepted.

For those unable to drop off trash, Republic Services advises bagging garbage securely and storing it on private property until collection resumes. According to the company, additional bags will be picked up at no extra cost once service is restored.

The strike began earlier this week, halting waste collection in much of West Contra Costa County. “We have had no garbage collection in most of West County since Monday,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia. “I have been in contact with Republic and the Teamsters Union to encourage a resolution.”

Gioia said Contra Costa County and several West County cities have issued Republic a formal notice of breach of its franchise agreement, and Contra Costa Health Services is convening regional health officers to assess what actions can be taken to address any potential health impacts from uncollected waste.

To provide further relief, the City of Richmond and Gioia’s office have coordinated with local agencies to place free dumpsters at five locations this Saturday for residential and business use. No hazardous waste will be accepted.

El Sobrante: Moose Lodge, 4660 Appian Way (8 a.m. to noon)
Tara Hills: Montara Bay Community Center, 2250 Tara Hills Drive (8 a.m. to noon)
Richmond Civic Center: 2400 Nevin Avenue (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Richmond Fire Training Center: 3506 Cutting Boulevard (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
La Moine Park: 3530 Morningside Drive (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Mayor Eduardo Martinez said the city is receiving daily updates on the situation.

“Richmond, like many cities across the country, is currently facing disruptions in its recycling and waste collection services due to an ongoing labor strike involving Republic Services,” Martinez said. “We are actively exploring available options to help address the impacts of accumulating garbage while not directly impacting the collective bargaining negotiations.”

Contra Costa Health and West County cities are also working to ensure the strike does not escalate into a public health issue.

The labor action is part of a broader dispute between Republic Services and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters over contract terms. The strike began on July 1 in Boston, led by Teamsters Local 25, and has since spread to six states. Workers in Georgia, Illinois, California, and Washington have joined in, including members of Local 439 in Stockton, which covers parts of the Bay Area.

On Friday, Jose Becerra, a member of Local 439, picketed outside the Golden Bear Transfer Station in Richmond to support fellow workers in contract talks. Becerra, who works at a Safeway distribution center, said he traveled more than two hours to be there on his own time.

“That’s what real Teamsters do,” Becerra said. “We’re extending the picket line in support of our brothers that are negotiating contracts at Republic in Stockton and also the landfill in Montezuma (Colorado).”

He said some residents expressed support for the strike, even as they dropped off waste.

“The citizens have the choice. That’s what we’re here for, letting them know that we’re on strike,” Becerra said.

Residents with questions about recycling and garbage pickup are encouraged to contact Republic Services at (510) 262-7100.

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM - SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Grandview Independent needs your financial support to continue delivering the news that matters to our community. Quality journalism costs money, and we can't do it without readers like you.

SUBSCRIBE NOW and get:
• Unlimited access to all articles
• Newsletters with exclusive content
• The satisfaction of backing independent local news that serves your community

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE - Starting at just $10/month

FOLLOW US FOR BREAKING NEWS:
• Twitter: @GrandviewIndy
• Instagram: @GrandviewIndependent
• Facebook: @Grandview Independent