Trash is piling up outside many homes in Bay Area cities as garbage collectors with Republic Services stopped working across the region.<\/p>\n
“I was definitely happy,” said Brian Grant of El Sobrante. “It’s nice for them to come and pick up the garbage, it’s starting to smell real bad,” said Grant.<\/p>\n
Non-union members from as far as Texas and Colorado are now helping during the work stoppage.<\/p>\n
“It’s nice they’re coming in with replacement workers. But I definitely am feeling for the workers that are striking,” said Grant.<\/p>\n
Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia said trash collection in West Contra Costa County is starting back up for residences and most businesses. Recycling or green waste will be collected at this time.<\/p>\n
Some residents wonder how long they’ll have to wait before service resumes in their community.<\/p>\n
Pinole resident Pearl Lee isn’t sure how much more she can take. Lee says the amount of trash at her apartment complex and the critters they attract – is simply unacceptable.<\/p>\n
PREVIOUS: Bay Area official worried about possible public health impacts of Republic Services work stoppage<\/a><\/p>\n “I see rodent, flies, everything. And last night, at midnight, I saw animals – big size animals,” said Lee.<\/p>\n Lee says she understands negotiations have been slow-going and hopes garbage collectors get the best offer they can secure.<\/p>\n “I know these guys. They work really hard. It’s a sad situation,” said Lee.<\/p>\n Health officials worry that the growing piles of trash will become a public health safety concern. Health directors from different counties talked about the issue Tuesday.<\/p>\n Supervisor Gioia said health officers from different counties have communicated and that they’re monitoring the trash situation for problems with rats and fleas. Gioia said people should consider keeping garbage cans away from their homes.<\/p>\n “Our Contra Costa health director had said that he was going to be talking to other health directors in the Bay Area generally, about how they sort of think about approaching this, because this has gone on in counties around the Bay Area,” said Supervisor Gioia.<\/p>\n
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