Union recycling drivers for Waste Management on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a new contract, ending the eight-day strike that has led to garbage piling up on curbsides and in dumpsters across the region.
The members of Teamsters Local 117 voted 109 to 14 to approve the new six-year deal, which includes more money in pay and compensation.
"This deal recognizes Seattle-area recycle and yard waste drivers for the tremendous job they do in performing difficult, dangerous work that protects the public health and the environment," said Tracey Thompson, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117.
While the negotiations affected recycling drivers, garbage collectors for Waste Management also walked the picket lines in solidarity. When a tentative agreement was reached Wednesday night, garbage haulers got back to work.
The company may still face fines for letting the garbage pile up. Seattle Public Utilities is asking people to put both their garbage and recycling bins out so the city can assess and issue those fines. That money will go to customers through adjustments on their bills.
For Seattle’s Thursday customers, SPU is asking you to put your garbage, yard waste and recycling out by 7 a.m. If your pick-up is missed, leave the carts out until 6 p.m. Friday. If your collection is still missed, report it here.
Seattle customers can also report a missed collection via Twitter. Just tweet out your block number, a photo of your trash and the hashtag #theymissedme
Allied Waste customers and the King County Transfer Stations were not affected by the strike. Areas in Seattle served by CleanScapes are also not affected.
Negotiation updates are also posted on the Teamsters Local 117 website, www.seattletrashwatch.org.
Get the complete garbage and recycling pick-up schedule on the Waste Management website or call the customer service center at 1-800-592-9995.
