Boston Trash Strike Enters Fifth Week Amid Overflowing Dumpsters and Lawsuits

A trash collector strike in Boston is in its fifth week, with over 400 workers demanding higher wages and better benefits from Republic Services Inc. The strike has led to overflowing dumpsters, lawsuits, and exasperated politicians. Despite efforts from Governor Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and the Massachusetts delegation to the House of Representatives, a resolution has yet to be reached.

A trash collector strike in the Boston area is now in its fifth week, with over 400 workers demanding higher wages and better benefits from Republic Services Inc. The strike has led to overflowing dumpsters, lawsuits, and exasperated politicians. Despite efforts from Governor Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and the Massachusetts delegation to the House of Representatives, a resolution has yet to be reached.

The strike, which began on July 1, has affected trash collection for residents in 14 Boston-area suburbs from Canton to Gloucester. While Boston itself doesn't rely on Republic for standard trash pickup, many businesses have contracts with the company for private collection, leading to a strain on services and an increase in public health concerns.

Republic has brought in replacement workers to help clear the pileup, but homeowners and businesses have reported spotty service, with some complaining of late pickups or a lack of recycling collection. The situation has been exacerbated by high temperatures, with downtown Boston set to reach 97 degrees on Tuesday, matching the city record for that date set in 1933.

Politicians have warned that teeming piles of garbage are rodent magnets and a public health crisis. Mayor Michelle Wu has started imposing fines on Republic and six of the affected communities are suing the company, seeking to force it to meet contract obligations. Some city councilors have even pleaded for intervention from Bill Gates, whose Cascade Investment is Republic’s largest shareholder.

Republic has countered that the strike is about the union’s “desire to cause chaos and conflict.” The company has offered to increase wages by 16% immediately and by 43% over five years, but the Teamsters have countered that the total value of the compensation agreement is still about $4 less per hour than what competitors Capitol Waste Services and Star Waste Systems offer their employees.

The strike has also had financial implications for Republic. Since the work stoppage in Massachusetts began, Republic shares declined about 2% through Monday. The Phoenix-based company is set to report its second-quarter results after the close of trading Tuesday.

The strike has highlighted the critical role of private trash collection in maintaining clean streets, protecting public health, and ensuring a livable city. The ongoing labor dispute has put a significant strain on businesses and residents, with the situation expected to continue until a resolution is reached.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-29/boston-s-dumpsters-overflow-as-trash-strike-summer-drags-on
[2] https://itemlive.com/2025/07/28/ltte-boston-mayor-wu-takes-action-on-republic-services-strike/