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The trash crisis gripping parts of Massachusetts is worsening as Republic Services continues its standoff with striking workers.

With the work stoppage entering its fifth week, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the city will begin imposing fines on Republic Services.

This is expected to intensify the pressure on the waste removal giant amid a growing public health and legal emergency.

Trash Piles, Lawsuits, and No End in Sight

On July 1, Teamsters Local 25 initiated a strike, demanding better pay, benefits, and job protections.

The walkout has spread nationally, with nearly 2,000 Republic Services workers joining in other cities, from the San Francisco Bay Area to Seattle suburbs. While strikes in those cities have since been resolved, the Massachusetts dispute remains deadlocked.

“We want this strike to end and have our members get back to work… But until Republic comes to its senses, there’s no end in sight,” said Tom Mari, president of Teamsters Local 25.

Overflowing dumpsters have created serious health concerns, especially as Boston recorded record-breaking temperatures of 98 degrees this week.

Rodent activity and sanitation fears are rising in suburbs from Canton to Gloucester, with six municipalities suing Republic for breach of contract.

Business Disruption and Public Frustration

Although the City of Boston doesn't rely on Republic for residential waste collection, many private businesses do — and they’re feeling the impact.

“It’s like, can we please get some adults in the room? The lack of communication has been frustrating,” said Kay Masterson, co-owner of Johnny’s Luncheonette in Newton.

Apartment complexes and restaurants, which produce more waste, are among the hardest hit. Republic’s use of replacement workers has been sporadic at best, and some communities, like Canton, report only one pickup all month.

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Negotiations With Republic Services Continue

Republic Services claims it has offered a 16% wage increase immediately and 43% over five years, but the Teamsters say the deal still falls short of what rival companies like Capitol Waste Services offer.

Meanwhile, Republic’s lawsuit against the union — alleging harassment and vandalism — was rejected by a federal judge in Boston.

The company also admitted this week that labor disruptions could shave up to $50 million off its annual earnings due to replacement labor costs and customer credits.

“Some businesses are paying others just to take their trash,” said Greg Reibman, president of the Charles River Regional Chamber.

Calls for Intervention

All nine Massachusetts Democrats in the U.S. House have urged Republic to negotiate in good faith, echoing calls from Governor Maura Healey. Some council members are even appealing to Bill Gates, whose Cascade Investment is Republic’s largest shareholder.

Still, with no follow-up talks scheduled since July 18, and both sides blaming the other for the impasse, the standoff shows no signs of ending.