The City of Redmond, in addition to King County and the cities of Seattle, Renton and Kirkland today urged a quick settlement to the strike against Waste Management by drivers represented by Teamsters Local 117 that collect recyclables and food and yard waste.

“I urge both the company and the union to resolve this quickly and end the disruption of this important community service,” said Redmond Mayor John Marchione.

King County Executive Dow Constantine added, “We are taking steps to minimize impacts for residents and making changes at our waste transfer facilities so our workers will not have to cross a picket line to do their jobs.”

To accommodate the possibility of pickets, Constantine said King County has established designated areas at solid waste transfer stations along with “neutral gates” so that employees can enter and exit and continue their work.

King County and the cities do not collect garbage, nor are the striking drivers public employees.

“While King County is not a party to the negotiations, I strongly encourage both sides to get back to the bargaining table and reach a fair and equitable agreement soon so that service disruptions can be avoided,” he said.

Public Health – Seattle & King County has conditionally approved extended hours for garbage disposal at the county’s Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, if needed.

Waste Management provides collection services for residents and businesses in all or part of Algona, Auburn, Bothell, Burien, Carnation, Duvall, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Maple Valley, Newcastle, Pacific, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Seattle, Snoqualmie and Woodinville.

Waste Management also provides collection services for unincorporated-area residents and businesses in northeastern and southern King County, including the White Center, Highline and Skyway areas.

Residents can call their hauler for updated information about potential service delays. Residents who are uncertain as to which hauler provides collection service can visit http://tinyurl.com/7jo5mzr.