September 21, 2025

Republic Services Strike Ends, Trash Collection Resumes in Greater Boston

Greater Boston, September 21, 2025

News Summary

After an 81-day strike involving over 400 workers, a deal has been reached between union employees and Republic Services, allowing trash and recycling collections to resume. The new five-year contract includes a 46% wage increase and improved health benefits. City officials announced the resumption of services, though delays are expected as drivers undergo retraining and backlogs are cleared across Greater Boston communities.

Greater Boston — A deal has been reached between union employees and garbage hauling company Republic Services, and trash and recycling collections are resuming after nearly three months of disruption.

What happened

A deal has been reached between union employees and garbage hauling company Republic Services. The agreement follows a strike involving more than 400 workers that began on July 1. The strike lasted 81 days and involved Teamsters Local 25 members and Republic Services employees.

The contract includes a 46% raise over the duration of a new five-year contract. Substantial health benefit improvements for employees are part of the new contract. Tom Mari, President of Teamsters Local 25, expressed pride in the union’s resilience during the strike, which lasted 81 days. Mari stated the contract will allow members to return to work on Monday.

Service restoration and immediate effects

City officials have announced that trash collection will resume, but normal operations will take some time to implement. Returning drivers will undergo mandatory retraining. Delays in service are expected to continue for at least a week.

The work stoppage caused service disruptions across many communities in Greater Boston, including:

Canton
Peabody
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Gloucester
Wakefield
Marblehead
Malden
Topsfield
Saugus
Beverly
Danvers
North Reading
Reading
Lynnfield
Swampscott
Arlington
Watertown

Local reaction and context

Local government and community members expressed gratitude for the Teamsters’ stance during the strike. The ongoing revival of garbage and recycling services comes amidst Greater Boston’s tourism sector optimism as the area prepares for major events in 2026. Future events like the World Cup, Tall Ships, and the 250th anniversary of the United States are expected to boost the economy and tourism in Greater Boston.

Timeline and next steps

The strike began on July 1 and continued for 81 days before the parties reached an agreement. Under the terms announced, members are expected to return to work on Monday following mandatory retraining. Officials cautioned that while collection will resume, crews will need time to clear backlogs and reestablish normal routing. Delays in service are expected to continue for at least a week as routes are restarted and previously missed collections are addressed.

Worker terms and benefits

The new five-year contract includes a 46% raise over the duration of the contract and substantial health benefit improvements for employees. Those provisions were central to union demands during bargaining and were cited as key factors in reaching the agreement.

Impact on residents and businesses

Residents and municipal officials in affected communities were urged to hold onto trash and recycling where possible until regular pickups resume to reduce overflow and public health risks. Municipal offices noted that pickup schedules may change temporarily to prioritize areas with the largest backlogs and that residents should follow local municipal communications for the latest updates.

This report presents the key facts of the agreement, the expected timeline for service restoration, and the communities most affected by the work stoppage. Coverage will continue as towns and Republic Services implement the new contract and restore routine operations.

FAQ

What agreement was reached?

A deal has been reached between union employees and garbage hauling company Republic Services.

How many workers were involved and when did the strike begin?

The agreement follows a strike involving more than 400 workers that began on July 1.

What pay and benefit changes does the new contract include?

The contract includes a 46% raise over the duration of a new five-year contract. Substantial health benefit improvements for employees are part of the new contract.

How long did the strike last and what did union leadership say?

Tom Mari, President of Teamsters Local 25, expressed pride in the union’s resilience during the strike, which lasted 81 days. Mari stated the contract will allow members to return to work on Monday.

When will trash collection resume and what should residents expect?

Which communities experienced service disruptions?

The work stoppage caused service disruptions across many communities in Greater Boston, including: Canton; Peabody; Manchester-by-the-Sea; Gloucester; Wakefield; Marblehead; Malden; Topsfield; Saugus; Beverly; Danvers; North Reading; Reading; Lynnfield; Swampscott; Arlington; Watertown.

How does this relate to local tourism and upcoming events?

The ongoing revival of garbage and recycling services comes amidst Greater Boston’s tourism sector optimism as the area prepares for major events in 2026. Future events like the World Cup, Tall Ships, and the 250th anniversary of the United States are expected to boost the economy and tourism in Greater Boston.

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Quick reference table

Item	Details
Agreement	A deal has been reached between union employees and garbage hauling company Republic Services.
Strike start	The agreement follows a strike involving more than 400 workers that began on July 1.
Contract term	The contract includes a 46% raise over the duration of a new five-year contract and substantial health benefit improvements for employees.
Return to work	Mari stated the contract will allow members to return to work on Monday; returning drivers will undergo mandatory retraining.
Service timeline	City officials have announced that trash collection will resume, but normal operations will take some time to implement. Delays in service are expected to continue for at least a week.
Affected communities	Canton; Peabody; Manchester-by-the-Sea; Gloucester; Wakefield; Marblehead; Malden; Topsfield; Saugus; Beverly; Danvers; North Reading; Reading; Lynnfield; Swampscott; Arlington; Watertown.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Republic Services Strike Comes to an End After 81 Days
Teamsters Local 25 and Republic Services End Strike with New Contract
Chinatown Restaurants in Boston Push to End Contracts Amid Trash Strike
Boston Mayor Imposes Fines on Trash Collection Company Amid Labor Strike
Federal Judge Denies Republic Services’ Request Amid Ongoing Strike
Teamsters Local 25 Strike Disrupts Trash Collection in Greater Boston
Sanitation Workers Strike Disrupts Waste Management in Greater Boston
Arajet Launches New Flights from Boston to Santo Domingo

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

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