Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
Canton, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — As the Republic Services sanitation strike enters another week, many Massachusetts municipalities are working to keep up with collection demands for trash and recycling.
At the Pine Street Transfer Station in Canton, public works employees have been unloading garbage from a nearly nonstop stream of cars.
"With the work stoppage, it starts to smell after a while, so you have to take it here," Bob, a Canton resident, said.
Because of high demand, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection gave the town permission to temporarily add two new recycling receptacles.
"I'm glad we have this option because otherwise it's just piling up," Mike, another Canton resident, said. He said he had a couple weeks worth of recyclables.
The town is encouraging residents to utilize the newly expanded site as the strike continues.
Last week, unionized Republic workers, represented by Teamsters Local 25, overwhelmingly voted to continue the strike. Among their demands: better benefits and pay that is comparable to other local trash collection companies. The union said Republic has not been negotiating in good faith.
Republic said it has been more than fair, offering an immediate 16% wage increase to drivers.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.