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Bay Area Cities Threaten Lawsuits Over Trash Backlog as Union Talks Resume

Municipalities demanding rate rebates are running emergency drop-off sites; face-to-face talks between Republic Services and the Teamsters aim to resume full waste collection.

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Trash overflowing in Fremont, Calif. 
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Overview

  • Republic Services and the Teamsters are holding face-to-face negotiations today in an effort to end the Bay Area work stoppage.
  • Municipalities such as Fairfield and Daly City have sent breach-of-contract letters to Republic Services, threatening lawsuits and demanding rate rebates for missed pickups.
  • Overflowing bins and maggot infestations are spurring public health alarms as accumulated trash clogs residential streets.
  • Cities have deployed large dumpsters at emergency drop-off sites, but many locations are already exceeding capacity and require security measures.
  • Republic Services maintains limited service for essential facilities while recycling and green-waste collections remain suspended.