Amid ongoing labor disruptions, Republic Services said it will continue trash collection in Marblehead throughout the week of July 7, though residents are being asked to remove recycling bins from the curb temporarily.
As the trash strike enters its second week, Marblehead Board of Health member Thomas McMahon is urging residents who are physically able to bring their household waste directly to the transfer station rather than wait for curbside pickup.
“Trash hasn’t been picked up on those streets that were marked as missed,” McMahon said in an interview. “I think everyone’s kind of losing sight of the idea Republic said they got replacement drivers. But they have way fewer drivers. They do not know the routes, and Marblehead streets are confusing.”
Republic Services, the town’s contracted waste hauler, has been operating under strike conditions and brought in replacement workers, reportedly from Pennsylvania. But McMahon emphasized that the disruption is significant and ongoing.
“Relying that Republic says they have it under control is not a good bet,” he said.
McMahon, who lives in the town’s historic district, said he has no expectation that his own trash will be picked up any time soon. “ I have no expectation that my house is going to get picked up and I’m on the board.”
The Board of Health has received numerous calls, texts, and online messages from frustrated residents seeking updates. McMahon said his consistent message has been the same: “If you can bring it up to the transfer station yourself, do it.”
The transfer station remains open to all residents and does not require a sticker during the strike. Still, the limited number of replacement drivers and their unfamiliarity with Marblehead’s winding streets have left many neighborhoods without any collection.
“We have no idea. Republic can say they’re going to get to that list, but they don’t even know where they’re going,” McMahon said. “My biggest suggestion for everyone is, if you’re able-bodied and have a vehicle go do it yourself. Find the time.”
He acknowledged the community’s frustration, especially among residents who have paid for a service they are not currently receiving. “It is definitely going to give us something to think about when we’re in a contract for who we use next.”
While Republic has stated publicly that they have brought in replacement crews, McMahon expressed skepticism about the company’s control over the situation. “As much as they can tell us everything — like, ‘Oh, we got replacement’… I mean, look at the situation we’re in. Like, really, they don’t have it under control.”
As the strike continues, McMahon’s message to the community remains urgent: take action if you can, and help your neighbors.
“Just begging people, if you’re able to get up there yourself, just go. Yes, it’s a pain. Yes, it sucks. But just help, help someone else,” he said. “Reach out to someone… maybe you think of that would struggle more than you would, and help them out — elderly person, neighbor, relative, whatever. Help them out.”
He warned residents not to rely on the possibility of pickup happening any time soon.
“Strikes don’t last forever. We just need to make it through this,” McMahon said. “But I would not try to guess which day they’re going to come. Leaving your trash out — it’s going to get disgusting. It’s only going to get grosser by the day.”
In a statement issued Monday, the Marblehead Board of Health said crews will be prioritizing household trash pickup as the company operates under strike conditions. Town officials acknowledged that several streets have missed scheduled curbside collection and confirmed that a list of affected areas has been shared with Republic Services.
“They will continue to work on that list as well as maintain the regular weekly collection schedule,” the Board of Health said. “Again, our priority is trash removal.”
Recycling pickup remains suspended until further notice. Residents are encouraged to use the town’s transfer station, which remains open for both trash and recycling. No stickers are currently required for access, and single-stream recycling is available onsite.
The residential entrance to the transfer station is now located off Green Street. Town officials recommend residents use the facility if possible to ease the burden on curbside services.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and difficulties this situation is causing,” the board said. “We appreciate your support and patience during this challenging time.”
Republic Services, which serves multiple area communities, confirmed Monday that collection trucks operated in Marblehead and other municipalities including Beverly, Canton, Danvers, Gloucester, Ipswich, Lynnfield, Malden, Manchester-by-the-Sea, North Reading, Peabody, Swampscott, Wakefield, and Watertown.
“We expect this level of service to continue throughout the week,” Republic Services stated.
As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to monitor town communications for updates on curbside collection and recycling services.
