CANTON — Canton Town Administrator Charles E. Doody has again joined a group of municipal leaders in sending a letter to the Republic Services leadership team, urging a speedy resolution to the trash collection work stoppage currently affecting multiple cities and towns the company serves across the region.
“We are following up on our earlier correspondence regarding the ongoing work stoppage and its increasingly disruptive impact on our communities,” Doody wrote, co-signing the July 11 letter with municipal leaders from the cities of Malden, Peabody, Gloucester, Watertown and Beverly; and the towns of Danvers, Ipswich, Lynnfield, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Swampscott, and Wakefield. “As municipal leaders and customers of Republic Services, we are growing more concerned by the day with the lack of resolution and the compounding consequences of this service interruption. While we appreciate your willingness to join us for regular meetings and understand the challenging situation, we feel it is necessary to clarify several points of major concern throughout our communities.”
Early last week, the Town of Canton was notified of an ongoing disruption to trash and recycling collection services due to a work stoppage by Republic Services initiated by the company’s labor union.
“First and foremost, the most effective and lasting solution to this crisis is a settled agreement,” the letter states. “We continue to respect the collective bargaining process, but urge both parties to return to the table with urgency and in good faith. Each day without resolution adds strain to our residents, our businesses, and our municipal operations and heightens the risk of broader public health impacts.”
Although Republic Services informed the Town that crews from outside Massachusetts would be mobilized and begin curbside collection operations in Canton starting Monday, July 7, the process has been slow and plagued with ongoing issues.
“While a long-term solution must come through a negotiated agreement, immediate action is also needed to address the ongoing service disruption,” the letter continues. “The current level of driver coverage and substitute crews is simply not meeting the basic needs of our communities. We urge Republic Services to act swiftly to expand interim staffing by bringing in additional drivers and resources to stabilize service in the short term.”
“Alongside expanded staffing, consistent and reliable communication is equally critical. We understand this is a complex situation; however, since the work stoppage began we have received limited and occasionally irregular updates. This has left communities to navigate shifting schedules and rising resident concerns with little to no guidance. A more coordinated, transparent communication strategy — including clear timetables and expectation of service — is essential to effective planning and public trust.”
“In the absence of clear information and reliable service, the broader consequences of this disruption continue to grow. The financial burden on municipalities is mounting as we deploy emergency responses, address overflow issues, and fill service gaps resulting from the inadequate staffing and resources from Republic Services. At the same time, environmental conditions are deteriorating, with uncollected trash affecting neighborhoods, parks, and waterways. Public health concerns are escalating, particularly as restaurants struggle without a viable waste solution during the peak of their busy season. These impacts are substantial and must be acknowledged and addressed as part of any near-term response and future planning.”
“Our communities are already bearing the cost of this disruption, both in personnel and material resources, as we work to mitigate the impacts of the service interruption and delay in full service resumption. It is entirely reasonable — and necessary—for municipalities to take steps to secure alternative services that protect public health and maintain basic standards of cleanliness and safety. Equally, it is reasonable and equitable to track and assess these costs, including labor and emergency response efforts, to determine the full extent of the financial burden. We fully intend to seek appropriate compensation for the consequential damages and expenses incurred as a direct result of Republic Services’ failure to meet its obligations.”
“Each of these issues compounds the frustration and confusion residents are experiencing and undermines the trust we have built with our communities,” the letter concludes, asking Republic Services to take the following immediate steps:
- Provide accurate and updated timelines and service expectations by municipality.
- Expand driver resources and logistical support to guarantee the daily completion of all trash and recycling routes in our communities until the work stoppage is resolved.
The Town of Canton appreciates the continued patience and understanding of its residents during this disruption. The Town will continue to provide timely updates as more information becomes available.
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