Trash collection by Republic Services resumed Monday in some communities for the first time since the company’s waste collection workers went on strike July 1, though local officials said affected residents should expect delays.
Republic has brought in non-union workers to take over its contracted municipal routes in Danvers, Peabody and Beverly while Teamsters Local 25 remains on strike over wages, benefits and working conditions.
The company halted all trash and recycling collection in Danvers last week. As of Monday, Republic will collect two weeks’ worth of household trash and recycling in the town, Danvers officials said in a prepared statement.
The workers brought in to temporarily replace Republic’s striking workers will be collecting waste for 12 hours or more each day, no earlier than 7 a.m., the statement said. No bulky items or yard waste will be accepted this week.
“Please be patient, as pickup times may vary throughout the week,” the statement reads. “If items are left behind curbside, please allow some time for a second truck to return for pickup.”
The town encouraged residents to call Republic directly at 800-323-4285 if they believe trucks did not pick up their curbside waste.
Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill said in a Monday evening call to residents that Republic will deploy five trucks to the city this week instead of its usual three to help collect late trash pickups. Residents were asked to only put out trash for collection.
“Given their current drivers’ unfamiliarity with Beverly, they have missed many streets these past several days,” Cahill said. “Our Engineering staff and I have worked to respond to residents, and I want to thank you for reaching out to let us know when your neighborhoods have been missed.
“For (Tuesday), trucks will pick up trash on streets that were missed (Monday) and in recent days. They will also start on the regular Monday routes, which are delayed one day and should be put out before 7 a.m. (Tuesday) morning.”
Republic picked up trash on Saturday morning from residents whose usual collection day is Thursday, and picked up trash from residents scheduled on Fridays early Monday morning this week.
Republic will collect curbside waste in the city on a one-day delayed schedule this week as a result.
Beverly’s yard waste compost site on Standley Street will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Saturday.
Trash collection in Peabody is underway, but not without significant delays that Mayor Ted Bettencourt said he expects to continue.
“With so much uncertainty, the best information I can provide is for those that have not had their trash picked up, please leave it out curbside,” Bettencourt said in a Sunday evening call to residents.
Republic will attempt to collect trash on residents’ normally scheduled days this week, but he said to expect delays of at least one to two days, or more.
“I’m sorry that I am unable to provide more specific information but the situation is extremely challenging and unpredictable,” Bettencourt said. “My colleagues from Beverly, Danvers, Gloucester, Lynnfield, Malden, and many other communities affected by the work stoppage, are connecting daily trying to assist in achieving a fair resolution.”
Stalled contract negotiations between Republic and the teamsters appeared to have no significant movement Monday afternoon.
Bettencourt, Cahill and officials in Danvers, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Canton, Ipswich, Lynnfield, Malden, Swampscott, Wakefield and Watertown demanded Republic meet with them last week over a lack of service during the strike. That meeting left Danvers Town Manager Jill Cahill hopeful service would improve this week, she said shortly after the meeting took place.
Local 25 has seen support from other unions, including Peabody Firefighters Local 925 , whose President Corey Michael, Vice President John Soares and other members, joined Republic workers on the picket lines Saturday outside Republic locations on Route 1.
Contact Caroline Enos at CEnos@northofboston.com