THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 29, 2025 Page 9 City of Malden statement on pausing curbside pickup of recyclables New alternative is to toss off recyclable materials on Middlesex Street F rom the beginning of the strike impacting trash and recycling pickup, we have committed to open and honest communication regardless of the message. When the strike began, we prioritized limited resources on trash pickup, believing that the consequences for falling behind on Trash are far greater than those for falling behind on recycling. Several weeks ago, we had reason for optimism when we were able to resume curbside recycling pickup. Republic had indicated that more resources would follow, and we began with two trucks a day picking DROP | FROM PAGE 1 ployees have been on strike since July 1, and there has been no progress in negotiations between the company and Teamsters Local 25, which represents the workers. Republic has been using replacement workers to pick up regular trash and recycling, but according to a message put out on the city website, it is no longer possible to pick up recyclables. Curbside pickup of regular trash, adhering as close as possible to the regular assigned schedule, is continuing, according to information on the City of Malden website: www.cityofmalden.org. A copy of the noup recycling, which is what we have on a normal day pre-strike. We had one day when we had eight trucks picking up recycling. Unfortunately, that was quickly cut to one truck a day. That one truck has struggled to make a meaningful impact. Significant delays with drivers being able to leave the yard along with DOT limitations on hours has resulted in that one truck taking over a week to complete a day’s route. Despite our attempts to communicate as clearly as possible, this has understandably led to confusion and frustration as to what is being picked up when, tice put out by the City of Malden on the status of the recycling pickup appears on the website, and the notice also appears in today’s edition. There is another alternative now in place for residents to clear their recycling disposals, with temporary dumpsters now being placed on Middlesex Street. They are located off Centre Street (Route 60) and across the street from the CBD Garage and Stop & Shop parking lot. Public safety and other municipal personnel are on-site there to assist residents, who may pull up with their vehicles and toss recyclables into the dumpsters. They are available at the following days and times moving forward: Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/ Advocate.news.ma and generally, has resulted in many residents leaving recycling curbside until whenever it gets picked up. Despite our pleas for more resources in Malden, it is clear from talking to Republic that there should be no expectations of that happening in the short term. On Friday August 22 it was necessary to assign all four trucks to trash and even then, with delays and hour limitations, they didn’t finish. We absolutely do not want to fall behind on trash pickup and in order to ensure that doesn’t happen, and based upon resources available, we have de— Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Residents are reminded that recycling drop-off is NO LONGER continuing at the Ferryway K-8 School on Cross Street — as was available during summer hours. That availability has been discontinued due to the official cided that CURBSIDE RECYCLING WILL BE PAUSED AND BE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON A DROP OFF BASIS. We know how frustrating this is and are exploring all alternatives to find relief, but like many other towns being serviced by Republic we are left with no choice but to focus all trucks on trash. We are asking all residents to bring their recycling back onto their property until further notice and to make arrangements to drop it off at the drop off site. If you find your recycling has become contaminated after having sat at the curb for several weeks, you should dispose of it opening of classes for students at the Ferryway School and all of the city’s public schools as of Wednesday. There is also no longer any recycling drop-off at the Department of Public Works (DPW) City Yard, 356 Commercial St., due to a newer phase of rehabilitation construction there, which is restricting overall access. Additionally, there is no recycling drop-off at Pine Banks Park as trash with your weekly trash. No blue bags are required to do that. The prior announcement of Pine Banks is no longer valid due to concerns expressed by the City of Melrose. We understand this change is incredibly disruptive and appreciate your patience as we work through this difficult situation. We ask that those who can help their neighbors, friends and relatives with drop-off for recycling please do so. Times like this are when a little kindness goes a long way. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. parking lot. That was to be considered part of the procedure for a brief time earlier this week, but was discontinued due to concerns expressed by City of Melrose officials. Malden shares the use of the entire Pine Banks Park facility equilaterally with the City of Melrose. For continued updates on the trash strike crisis, check on the city’s website: www.cityofmalden.org.
10 Publizr Home