The three-month strike against Republic Services has come to an end, as the Teamsters Local 25 and the trash company have reached a five-year collective bargaining agreement. Swampscott, however, is still collecting recycling this weekend at the Department of Public Works Yard. 

“We look forward to our employees returning to work on Monday and quickly resuming normal operations,” said Kurt Lavery, the marketing vice president for Republic Services. “We will work tirelessly to restore our customers’ trust.”

The Teamsters Local 25 started its strike against Republic Services in Massachusetts on Tuesday, July 1, affecting more than 400,000 residents across the state in 14 cities and towns. Waste collection workers across the North Shore are striking for higher wages, improved benefits, and stronger labor protections. Beyond Swampscott, the strike impacted other communities like Lynnfield, Danvers, Marblehead, Gloucester, Peabody, Topsfield, Watertown and Saugus.

Republic Services announced on Friday that it reached a collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters. No details on the exact contract were disclosed in the press release. 

“During the strike we never lost hope that we would reach an agreement that would benefit our members,” said Tom Mari, the president of the Local 25. “We are now ready to return to work and provide the best service possible to Republic’s customers.”

In Swampscott, the DPW Yard is open Friday until 7 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for recycling only. 

Swampscott’s current contract with Republic Services ends on July 1, 2026.