20250717 - TRASH SERVICE RESUMES IN EAST WHITTIER EFFECTIVE JULY 17, 2025
Whittier, CA — The Whittier City Council met in an emergency closed session at 6:00 p.m. on July 16, 2025, to discuss community health and sanitation concerns due to the disruption to solid waste collection services. Concerned residents reached out to the City regarding the lingering waste and contamination as well as the potential threat to health. The disruption in trash pick-up was caused by a labor dispute with one of the City’s two contract waste haulers, Republic Services, and part of its workforce outside of Whittier. This resulted in several days without regular collection of waste.
Although the City Council has no role in the labor negotiations, it hoped for a swift resolution to the dispute between Republic Services and its labor group, to the satisfaction of all parties. The Council is committed to protecting public health and ensuring essential services for residents. The terms of the City’s agreement with Republic Services allow up to five days to resolve a service disruption.
Due to the service disruption, the City Council declared a local public health emergency and authorized staff to take measures to ensure that solid waste services resumed no later than Saturday July 19th. As part of an immediate response, the City also temporarily waived fees for trash disposal at the Savage Canyon Landfill for Whittier residents who receive Republic Services and can provide proof of residency. This waiver will remain in effect until Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
“Trash pickup, clean water, 911 response, paved roads and sidewalks, green parks – these are the basic services that are under the control of the City of Whittier and the fundamental responsibility of the Whittier City Council,” said Mayor Joe Vinatieri.
At approximately 4:00 a.m. Thursday morning, July 17, 2025, Republic Services notified the City that its drivers had returned to work and the company would be focused on cleaning up and catching up from the three-day interruption.
Republic Services has provided the following schedule for solid waste recovery in Whittier:
7/17: Commercial – All routes; Residential – Monday & partial Tuesday
7/18: Commercial – All routes; Residential – Remainder of Tuesday & as much of Wednesday as possible
7/19: Commercial – All routes; Residential – Remaining Wednesday, full Thursday & Friday
The City will continue to monitor the situation and will provide prompt response as necessary. The patience and flexibility of residents and business owners during this service disruption is most appreciated. For questions regarding services and disruption, please contact Republic at 800-299-4898.
Agreements for both waste haulers serving Whittier (Republic and Athens) are available on the City’s website. For additional information, please contact admin@cityofwhittier.org.
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