Photo: Emma Friedman/WBZ NewsRadio
GLOUCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Gloucester Public Works is using humor to try to ease the stress of residents as the sanitation workers strike continues.
The City of Gloucester opened a temporary recycling drop-off site called Gloucester Recycle Beach. The makeshift setup has all of the classic beach staples: a pile of sand, a lifeguard stand, kiddie pool, boogie board, a kayak and beach chairs.
Residents have been dropping off their own recycling for the past couple of weeks at the temporary site located on the Department of Works parking lot. Recycle beach is in response to the ongoing labor dispute between members of Teamsters Local 25 employed by Republic Services and the solid waste company. It has resulted in the suspension of curbside recycling services.
Gloucester Public Service's superintendent, Tommy Nolan says he and his team are trying to provide a few laughs during the tense time.
Read More: Gloucester DPW Staffs Clearing Up Trash Amid Republic Strike
"We figure we just lighten the mood a little bit and give them just something to laugh at," remarked Nolan.
Residents can drop off their cans and other recyclable materials Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The drop-off site is only for Gloucester residents.
"People have to bring it to us — we can't get it," Nolan said. "We're helping with the trash but the recycling would just be too much. We couldn't do it."
Members of Teamsters Local 25 have been on strike since July 1. Union members employed by Republic Services are demanding better wages, a clause that prevents Republic from retaliating against employees on strike and the option to use the union's healthcare plan over Republic's.
Republic Services issued a statement to WBZ NewsRadio, saying, "We again call for an end to Teamsters Local 25's continued unlawful conduct, including the repeated blocking of our trucks out on the road and at service stops, which is causing service delays for our customers. We will continue to work with all communities impacted by Teamsters Local 25."
WBZ NewsRadio’s Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports.