Trash collection problems continue to disrupt daily life across the Bay Area as the Republic Services strike enters its second week. Overflowing garbage bins and piles of uncollected trash have become a common sight in residential neighborhoods and business areas across multiple cities, including Fremont, Union City, Daly City, and Half Moon Bay. The strike, which began last Tuesday, has caused widespread frustration among residents who are dealing with the stench and hygiene risks caused by the mounting garbage.
The work stoppage began when Republic Services garbage collectors across the region joined union workers striking in Stockton, Manteca, and parts of the East Coast. The workers are demanding improved wages, better health benefits, and a pension plan, stating that these basic needs have been overlooked despite the physically demanding nature of their jobs. Union leaders say the company’s slow pace in negotiations has only worsened the situation, extending the strike and amplifying the inconvenience faced by residents.
Residents in Fremont report their trash bins are overflowing, with some households unable to close their lids as bags pile higher. Homeowners have described the smell as unbearable, especially in the current hot weather conditions. Local business owners have also been hit hard. Some restaurants in Daly City have reported trash spilling onto sidewalks, posing health hazards to customers and employees. Businesses have expressed disappointment over the delayed pickups, with many forced to store waste in alternative ways.
Cities have taken temporary measures to address the overflow. Union City, Half Moon Bay, and Fremont initially placed large dumpsters at multiple sites where residents could drop off their garbage, but Union City had to discontinue its sites after they quickly filled up. In Half Moon Bay, a large dumpster behind City Hall has been overflowing, highlighting the scale of the problem. Fremont’s Recycling and Transfer Station has seen long lines of residents dropping off bags of trash, with some complaining about the growing presence of pests such as maggots.
The strike has also led to confrontations. Early Monday morning, union members were seen protesting at Republic Services’ Daly City location, leading to a tense exchange with a replacement worker. Despite negotiations continuing this week, union leaders say little progress has been made. Gilbert Gomez, a union leader, accused the company of playing games with both the workers and the public, claiming the company’s promises to resolve the dispute are empty.
Republic Services has released a statement saying they are working to reach an agreement that benefits employees and customers. The company has begun deploying replacement workers in some areas to resume limited collection services, but progress has been slow. Some city officials have confirmed that while garbage collection has restarted in certain neighborhoods, the pace is not enough to clear the existing backlog.
Local leaders, including Daly City Councilmember Juslyn Manalo and Union City Councilman Jeff Wang, have urged Republic Services to address the workers’ demands promptly for the sake of public health and community wellbeing. They stressed that prolonged delays in garbage collection could lead to severe sanitation problems and pose risks to residents’ health.
As the strike drags on, residents are left to cope with overflowing bins, unpleasant odors, and growing concerns about pests and disease. The union maintains that their fight is not only for fair compensation but also for respect and safe working conditions. Meanwhile, Republic Services faces increasing pressure to negotiate effectively and restore regular service. For now, communities across the Bay Area wait anxiously for an agreement that will bring an end to the garbage crisis and return normalcy to their neighborhoods.
