Recycling pickup has been canceled for the rest of the week, according to a town announcement.

“As many of you are aware, trash collection is currently running behind schedule this week,” the town posted at 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday. “In order to prioritize the timely removal of household waste, both trash trucks will be dedicated to trash collection only for the remainder of the week.”

The town had previously announced that both trash and recycling would be collected for Monday and Tuesday routes on July 8. This delay follows a now week-long strike that has disrupted Republic Services operations in Swampscott and other communities.

Waste collection workers across the North Shore are picketing for higher wages, improved benefits, and stronger labor protections.Teamsters spokesperson Matt McQuaid declined to comment on negotiations or share details about the union’s demands.

The strike is affecting more than 400,000 residents across Massachusetts. Other unions nationwide are also striking against Republic Services. Teamsters in Ottawa, Illinois joined the picket line just a day after their Massachusetts counterparts. Teamsters Local 396 in Southern California voted to authorize a strike on Thursday.

“This strike is all about fairness, equity, and maintaining the area standards established by Local 25,” Thomas G. Mari, the president of Local 25, said in a press release. “I have never seen a group of workers who are so united and committed to making certain they are able to enjoy the same pay and benefits as people who are doing the exact same job at another employer.”

Republic Services is the second-largest waste management company in North America. The company saw a total revenue of $16 billion in 2024, which is nearly a 6% increase from the year prior, according to the Teamsters.

As of Tuesday, July 8 at 3:45, the company’s stocks are down 1.2%. There is still a net positive change of 19.12% since January 1.

Republic Services and Teamsters Local 25 met with a federal mediator on Wednesday, July 2, but the trash company claimed that the Teamsters did not “match our willingness to achieve a new contract.”

Republic Services Media Relations told the Swampscott Tides that it provides “our Greater Boston employees with competitive wages, an industry-leading health care plan, pension plan and a generous time-off and holiday plan.”

To resume service in Swampscott, Republic Services has “pulled staff from other areas of the country,” according to the company. 

To assist with overflow, the Department of Public Works Yard, at 200 Paradise Road, will be open on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Please break down your cardboard boxes,” the town posted. “Thank you for your patience and cooperation.”