Republic Strike Updates

City Manager’s Reflection One-Week After the End of the Trash Strike

September 26, 2025

As we end the first week of fall and reflect upon the summer that saw our regular trash and recycling services disrupted by the labor strike between Republic Services and their unionized workforce, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the community for their continued understanding and the members of City staff for their hard work. 

Back when the strike began on July 1, 2025, and it became clear that Republic Services were not able to deliver services to our community, regardless of their prior assurances, our DPW Director Tom Brady, the Recycling Program Manager Matt Bacon, and our Communications Team began working together hour-by-hour to ensure effective messaging out to the community, and dedicating themselves to finding a creative solution to the problem facing Watertown.

Within 48 hours of the strike beginning, Director Tom Brady facilitated and organized a pop-up transfer station at 148 Waltham Street for residents to access each weekday of the strike with their trash, recycling, and eventually their yard waste. With an estimated over 3,000 visitors to the emergency drop-off site, I am proud of the service we were able to provide.

I first want to give a sincere and significant thank you to Director Tom Brady and Recycling Program Coordinator, Matt Bacon, for their incredible work over the last two-plus months. Matt worked day-to-day, including Saturdays, not only managing the emergency pop-up transfer station, but also coordinating with the Republic Services replacement drivers as they arrived in Watertown and completed their routes throughout each week.

I also would like to extend a thank you to everyone in City Hall and elsewhere on my staff that stepped up to help, whether that was our Communications Team keeping our website updated each day and sharing timely announcements, the DPW Administrative Staff and Supervisors who supported Matt throughout the strike, and our Police Department who helped make the 148 Waltham St. location a success.

Finally, I want to express sincere gratitude to the Watertown residents and business owners who were patient and understanding as we all dealt with this significant disruption throughout the summer. I understand this was not easy, often times frustrating, and frequently tiring as you came home from work, school, or elsewhere uncertain of whether your bins would be full or empty. Your patience and consideration over these last three months have been felt within City Hall, at DPW, and 148 Waltham Street each day. Thank you.

Sincerely, George J. Proakis

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