Republic Services union members ended its trash strike in San Diego’s South Bay in a 137-70 vote on Mon., Jan. 17. Trash collection resumed regular operations on Tuesday, the first time since the strike began on Dec. 17.

The resolution came two days after Chula Vista declared the trash strike a public health emergency. The union + city settled with a last and final offer on Sunday.

What’s the resolution?

Republic Services employees were striking to receive better compensation for their work, declining multiple offers until Sunday’s settlement. The specifics are unknown, but the offer is said to increase wages + improvements to health coverage — including a $1,000 bonus for signing the new contract.

What’s going to happen to all that trash?

Republic Services began its regular trash collection services on Tues., Jan. 18. If your trash is typically collected later in the week or on Mondays, you will need to wait until your regularly scheduled day. Multi-family homes have already received some relief — city crews assembled last week to remove 100,000+ pounds of trash from over 200 units.

City crews will continue to help sanitation workers until at least Friday, and free self-hauling will be available until Sat., Jan. 22 at the Otay + Sycamore Landfills for residential customers.

In a press release, the City of Chula Vista announced it would open a phone line + email address property managers can contact to request trash pick-up services. Councilmembers are working with the City Attorney + City Manager to ensure customers get credit for trash service they did not receive during the strike and continue to discuss the topic at city council meetings.

Republic Services continues to update Chula Vista + its nearby communities of developments as clean-up continues.