Photo: Emma Friedman/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — As the trash strike in Massachusetts continues and the Teamsters Local 25 Union continues to march, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu sent the following letter to Republic Services on Wednesday morning.
“First, the City expects that Republic Services will absorb any code enforcement fines assessed since July 7, 2025 to businesses throughout Boston that arose because Republic has been unable to provide trash pickup. As you are aware, the City of Boston gave a short reprieve on code enforcement fines from July 1 to July 6, but the City has been continuously issuing those fines since July 7.
Second, I have directed our code enforcement personnel to begin issuing fines directly to Republic Services—rather than individual businesses—for garbage left uncollected starting today.
Private trash collection serves a critical role in maintaining clean streets, public health, and a livable City, and we expect Republic to fulfill its obligations to customers immediately.”
Since the beginning of July, 20 towns in Massachusetts have been affected by the strike, with Teamsters saying Republic Services has refused to provide basic community standards.
Republic Services has not yet issued a response to Wu’s letter.
This story is still developing. Be sure to listen to WBZ NewsRadio for the latest.