Waste Management Expands Service Wednesday With Help Of Substitute Workers, Drivers Continue To Strike

"The labor disruption continues to be a very unfortunate situation for our customers," Waste Management said in a statement late Tuesday afternoon. The company continued to "sincerely apologizes to our community for the inconvenience caused by the Teamsters strike," and pledged to continue "working diligently to resume services throughout Puget Sound."

Additional Waste Management substitute drivers continue to arrive, providing additional service to the cities affected by the strike. Unlike the striking members of Teamsters Local 117, substitue drivers are non-union.

Waste Management is expanding its service recovery efforts Wednesday to include certain residential areas.

Wednesday Collection Services:

Waste Management will run all Wednesday commercial garbage routes in addition to residential trash collection in 10 cities:

• Algona
• Kirkland
• Renton
• Auburn
• Maple Valley
• Seattle
• Bothell
• Mill Creek
• Redmond
• Federal Way

Please continue to check wmnorthwest.com for further updates.

Meanwhile, King County’s solid waste handling system continues to operate safely in the wake of the ongoing strike that is affecting more than 220,000 Waste Management customers across the county.

Seattle & King County Public Health Inspectors are in the field to assess any potential health-related issues to uncollected garbage. At this time, while the uncollected garbage is inconvenient and unpleasant, it is not a public health threat. More information for residents and commercial facilities is available at www.kingcounty.gov/health.

The County’s eight solid waste transfer stations, including the one located on 3021 NE 4th St. in Renton, remain open for residents and business owners who want to haul their own garbage and pay regular transfer station disposal rates, with a minimum fee of $20 (including taxes).

King County has taken steps to ensure that vital solid waste transfer station and landfill operations continue smoothly, while allowing striking drivers to exercise their rights.

*Editor's Note: Information compiled from statements from Waste Management and King County.