Have a Safe & Happy Labor Day Weekend! Vol. 34, No. 35 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday Malden halts curbside recycling pickup; drop-off only at Middlesex Avenue site Republic replacement personnel dwindled to just one truck per day for entire city; residents can bring recycling items across from Stop & Shop lot W 617-387-2200 Friday, August 29, 2025 ~ Guest Commentary ~ This Stinks By Councillor-At-Large Craig Spadafora hile the trash strike continues in Malden and the days grow shorter, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the strength There will be large dumpsters located through most of the day on Middlesex Street (across from Stop & Shop parking lot) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Residents may toss of their recyclables, free of charge, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. (Courtesy Photo) By Steve Freker C ity officials announced Monday that residents’ recycling materials will not be picked up at curbside until further notice, ending a brief attempt to provide some degree of relief to the trash strike crisis. Republic Services waste collection emDROP| SEE PAGE 9 OPENING DAY: Back to school a big success for over 6,000 Malden Public Schools students MPS educators, administrators & staff give warm welcome to ‘stars’ of the new school year By Steve Freker T he doors of the Malden Public Schools swung open on Wednesday morning for over 6,000 students, and according to MPS administrators, Opening Day went smoothly and successfully. Students in Grades 1 through 12 returned to classes for the 2025-2026 school year on Wednesday, with kindergarten and Pre-K students beginning their classes on Thursday, September 4. After two days of classes on Wednesday and Thursday, students and staff are now off today, Friday, the start of the long holiday weekend. Labor Day will be marked on Monday, September 1, with no school that day, and Malden Public Schools classes will resume on Tuesday, September 2. SCHOOLS | SEE PAGE 8 of our community. In the face of disruption, neighbors are stepping up—transporting recycling to drop-off sites, taking in each other's barrels, and lending a hand wherever they can. In challenging times, solidarity shines. Let’s begin with the facts: Fact #1: I Stand with the Teamsters. These workers have labored through heatwaves, snowstorms, and everything in between to keep our city clean. They deserve fair compensation—plain and simple. As I’ve said before, Republic Services must return to the negotiating table and meet the just demands of these essential workers. The strike has revealed a long-standing truth: they are worth more than they’re asking. They are not replaceable — they are needed. Fact #2: This Stinks—for Everyone. There are no winners in this situation. Residents are frustrated. Workers are fighting for dignity. And our streets are suffering the consequences. Fact #3: Recycling Suspension Undermines Our Values. Earlier this week, the city announced a suspension of curbside recycling. This is more than an inconvenience—it undermines our shared commitment to sustainability. Like many of you, I generate more recyclables than trash. This disruption affects environmentally conscious residents the most. Fact #4: Noncompliance Is Not the Answer. Let’s be clear: the strike does not justify ignoring basic trash regulations. We've seen bags left outside barrels, mattresses dumped on sidewalks, and furniture discarded in the streets. These problems existed before—but they’ve worsened in recent months. It’s not right that those who follow the rules are penalized, while those who don’t are allowed to skirt responsibility and most importantly, this solves nothing. Fact #5: Malden Has a Trash Enforcement Problem—and It's COMMENTARY| SEE PAGE 5 Superintendent Dr. Timothy Sippel greets ninth grade students on first day of school at Malden High School. (Advocate Photos)
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