Published on July 19, 2025
We have heard from many of you this week via phone call, emails, and on our social media channels about the trash piling up in your neighborhoods due to the nationwide Republic Services strike. Reliable waste collection is a fundamental aspect of our quality of life. This extended delay has caused a huge inconvenience and public health concerns. The City does not contract directly with Republic Services. While we aren’t involved in the labor negotiations, which are taking place between the Teamsters and Republic Services, you are still being impacted, and that matters to us. Internally, we have been in regular contact with Republic Services and the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), which manages the contract on behalf of our service area. As a City, we are working to identify a local temporary solution. We appreciate your patience as we work with our local partners to get this completed. Additionally, please contact Republic Services and UTC directly to inform them of the impact this is having on you—that way, it is properly documented with the parties involved. For community members living in a residential area, you can contact Republic Services directly by calling 425-778-0188. If you own a business or live in a multi-family dwelling, such as an apartment, you can call 425-778-6508. You can file a complaint with UTC via phone at 888-333-9882, by email at consumer@utc.wa.gov, or by filling out their complaint form at https://www.utc.wa.gov/consumers/consumer-complaints.