Labor dispute disrupts city’s trash service

LW IS NOT AFFECTED

City of Seal Beach waste collection is being disrupted by a work stoppage amid labor contract talks at Republic Services.

The work stoppage will not affect Leisure World because its trash service is provided by CalMet Services Inc. CalMet provides a recycling program in addition to trash collection in LW. According to a city press release, Seal Beach and other Republic Services clients, including Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Fullerton and Placentia, have been impacted by an interruption in trash collection due to a labor dispute at Republic.

Sanitation workers represented by Teamsters Local 396 went on strike Dec. 9 during contract negotiations.

The City of Seal Beach stated that it is not involved in talks between Republic Services and its workers, but city officials are stressing the need for a swift resolution and contingency service.

The city was initially informed that the strike would not have any material impact and that trash service would resume fairly quickly.

Republic has since reported:

• All commercial and industrial routes for solid waste, recycling and organics have been delayed and will be rerouted for collection next week.

• There is no timeline as to when regular trash services will resume.

• Republic is working to have increased crews attempt to provide service.

Republic has provided a 40-yard roll-off container to the city to assist with the collection of Public Works trash and critical customers needing immediate unloading.

Minimizing household waste is always a good idea and can be helpful:

• Avoid using disposable plates, cups and silverware.

• Use refillable water bottles.

• Use cloths instead of paper towels.

• Reuse delivery boxes for wrapping Christmas gifts.

• Put off major yard work.

• Break down large boxes and bags with other paper goods.