Republic Services customers in Kent could see account credits
The settlement of a garbage strike against Republic services in San Diego led to the return of regular service in Kent.
But Kent town officials are continuing to negotiate with the company for credit on customer accounts.
Kent Mayor Dana Ralph reported the update at the January 18 city council meeting. Republic Services, based in Arizona, contracts with the city to provide garbage, recycling and yard waste management services.
Ralph said city staff were continuing to negotiate with the company for compensation for customers in Kent. Some residents have not received service for three weeks or more after snow, flooding and a work stoppage halted pickups.
“Instead of compensating the city, we’re asking them to credit customer accounts for uncollected trash,” Ralph said.
Ralph said they’re asking Republic Services for another trash drop-off event, similar to two previous events in the accesso ShoWare Center parking lot.
“We also work with them on customer service,” Ralph said. “The robocalls came out too late. We want to see improved responses.
The mayor remained confident in the Services of the Republic.
“I believe they will do the right thing,” she said.
Drivers from the local Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste Union graced the picket lines Jan. 12-14 in Kent in support of the strike in California. Republic Services and the local Teamsters union in California reached an agreement on January 17 after a month-long strike.
Republic Services in Kent has posted the following message on its website regarding the services:
“As of Wednesday, January 19, yard waste collection is suspended this week, until January 21 so that Republic services can use yard waste road drivers to collect materials from members of our community. who didn’t have their trash picked up and recycled due to the snow storm. and temporary work stoppage.
“All rubbish and recycling will be collected from all customers this week. Please place your bins and recycling carts at the curb on your normal collection day and leave them there until collected. We will resume normal collection next week according to your collection schedule.
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