|
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In light of the many reports I am hearing about multiple weeks of missed garbage pickups in communities across District 9, I want to share what I have found out about this frustrating situation, how we are working with Republic Services on a solution, and how you can respond in the meantime until a long-term resolution is reached.
This morning I spoke with a Republic Services representative who shared with me that they are experiencing a severe worker shortage. Shortages that were pre-existing as many industries struggle to hire drivers have been further exacerbated first by severe snow and ice that blocked roadways, then by a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, and now critically exacerbated by a worker strike.
I also spoke today with King County Solid Waste Director Pat McLaughlin. King County contracts with Republic Services for garbage collection services, and continues to push Republic Services to provide workable alternatives for households who have not had their garbage collected for weeks now. I am happy to share that Republic Services is taking interim steps to provide emergency services as early as this coming Monday. I know a quick response is critically important, as garbage collection is an essential public service and not something that can be overlooked for an extended period of time. I hope to have more to report on this ongoing conversation soon.
Finally, I want to share with you what alternatives you have available to you right now. If you live or do business within King County’s 37-city and unincorporated service area (which includes all cities with the exception of Seattle and Milton), you can bring your recycling and waste to any King County transfer station.
Here are the King County transfer station locations (please note that services vary by location):
Although there is a fee for garbage disposal, there is no fee for recycling except for special items. Before you visit, you can go online to check the line at the Algona, Bow Lake, Factoria, Houghton, Renton, and Shoreline Transfer Stations to avoid long wait times.
I know that this situation is extremely frustrating, but we will continue to do everything we can to help and are working closely with Republic Services on finding a resolution. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further concerns at reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-1009.
Sincerely,
Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9
|
|
