No garbage pickup today for some Ballard residents

Garbage collection won’t happen for a portion of Ballard today, as the Teamsters Union garbage, recycling, and food and yard waste drivers are still on strike. According to Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), Tuesday customers of Waste Management should put out their recycling, garbage, and food and yard waste bins next Tuesday, August 7. There will be no charge for extra items. Some areas of Ballard were missed Monday, and those customers should also put out garbage next Monday, August 6.

According to SPU, the strike is affecting about 60 percent of the city, in Northwest and South Seattle. The strike started Wednesday, July 25 after the Teamsters Local 117’s contract with Waste Management expired May 31. However, pickups by CleanScapes, which covers about 40 percent of the city are not impacted by the strike (map here), according to SPU.

From SPU:

SPU continues to urge Waste Management and the Teamsters to engage in good faith negotiations toward a speedy and successful outcome.

Under its contract with the city, Waste Management is required to continue services in the event of any disruption. Specifically, any missed collections due to any labor complications must be collected later in the week, or the following week. Waste Management will not be paid for any non-service.

The contract allows the city to deduct approximately $15,000 to $20,000 per day in payments to Waste Management for any services that are not completed the next day. For any interruptions that continue more than a week, contractors can also be fined substantially for service failure, up to $1.25 million per day.

Protecting public health and safety continues to be the city’s top priority throughout this collection disruption.

SPU will provide updates as needed. Customers with solid waste service issues or concerns may call the Call Center at (206) 684-3000.

Customers with labor/union questions or concerns should contact Waste Management or Teamsters Local 117.

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities, at: http://www.seattle.gov/util.

Follow SPU on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SeattleSPU.

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