Garbage strike extended

This story was updated at 3:45 p.m., July 10, 2025

If your garbage cans are still sitting full at the curb, you're not alone. The strike affecting local garbage collection has been extended.

Teamsters say they are building their bargaining leverage by extending their picket lines to Republic locations where Teamsters have the right to honor picket lines and refuse to go to work.

"Teamsters are taking coordinated strike action at Republic Services to fight for fair pay and strong contracts at one of the largest private sanitation companies in North America," said a Teamsters representative.

Republic Services employs more than 7,000 Teamsters.

The first strike was launched on July 1 by 450 Local 25 Teamsters in Boston, where Teamsters claim Republic is refusing to match the wages and benefits offered by the company’s main competitor in Eastern Massachusetts, Capitol Waste and Star Waste Systems.

Since then, Republic Teamsters in five states have launched strikes of their own, including members of Georgia Local 728, Illinois Local 179, Stockton Local 439, and Washington Local 252.

Republic Services told Grandview its main focus right now is servicing what it calls "essential businesses."

"At this time, we are focused on servicing essential businesses, such as hospitals and nursing homes. We are working to get caught up as quickly as possible and are actively communicating service delays to impacted customers," said a representative from Republic Services Media Relations.

On social media, Contra Costa Health posted a statement, "Garbage pickup is delayed in parts of the county due to a labor action at a Republic Services facility. CCH is monitoring the situation and will share more guidance if needed."

Grandview reached out to the mayor's office and received the following reply.

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, Richmond's contracted waste and recycling provider.

The City continues to monitor the situation closely, and the Mayor's Office is receiving daily updates from City staff and will provide updates as they arrive to us.The City is actively exploring available options to help address the impacts of accumulating garbage while not directly impacting the collective bargaining negotiations between Republic Services and the Teamsters.

Today's key update from Republic Services: "If your cart is getting full, you may place trash in sturdy garbage bags and store them securely on your property, away from animals. Once service resumes, we will collect the additional bags at no extra charge." Residents with questions or concerns regarding recycling and waste collection are encouraged to contact

Republic Services directly: Customer Service: (510) 262-7100 Website: https://www.republicservices.com/municipality/richmond-ca City of Richmond, CA - Local Government - City of Richmond, CA Economic, Environmental, and Health Initiatives

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