Republic Services sanitation drivers resumed work Monday, July 14, in Orange County, company and city officials confirmed, as efforts ramp up to catch up on missed trash and recycling pickups.
“Drivers returned to work today at all three Orange County locations affected by picketers, and we are working as quickly as possible to resume regular service,” Republic Services officials said in a statement, adding that the company has brought in additional employees to assist with the recovery.
Residents are being asked to continue leaving their containers out until they are serviced.
The work stoppage, which stemmed from local workers honoring an East Coast union strike, led to service delays across multiple cities.
Related: Cities offer temporary drop-off sites as trash collection delays continue across Orange County
In Anaheim, officials said Republic drivers are working from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily to complete missed pickups, focusing first on routes missed July 9–11.
City officials said downtown pickups from July 9 should be completed by Monday afternoon. Central-east Anaheim pickups from July 10 are expected to be made up Monday evening into Tuesday, July 15. Anaheim Hills pickups from July 11 are expected to be completed Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday, July 16.
Routes may see a one- to two-day delay, officials said. Residents are asked to leave bins at the curb until serviced, and overflow trash should be bagged and placed next to carts.
Officials said Republic Services is expected to return to its regular pickup schedule in Anaheim starting the week of July 21.
In Santa Ana, officials said Monday that more than 30 Republic trucks are now working residential routes, and additional drivers and trucks from other cities are on the way to help. Residents are asked to keep their trash carts at the curb until they’re emptied.
Fullerton officials said crews are starting with the areas that missed pickups first and one- to two-day delays are expected early in the week. Street sweeping will continue, but the city has paused enforcement for trash bins and street sweeping violations through the end of the week.
Villa Park residents with Monday or Tuesday collection days may also see one- to two-day delays, officials said Monday.