Many customers around Western Washington have been expressing frustrations with trash pile-ups as the Republic Services strike enters its 10th day. The strike comes as the Republic Services employees across the country are demanding higher wages, improved benefits, and better worker protections.

State leaders urge Republic Services to finalize contract with striking Teamsters as uncollected garbage piles up in Massachusetts communities and other states across the country.

Negotiations between Republic Services and Teamsters broke down late last week. Talks are set to resume Tuesday, but the impacts of the trash strike are growing more pronounced.

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.

Some Bay Area communities have had to come up with solutions like replacement workers and drop-off locations as the piling trash and heat make for a smelly mix amid the work stoppage for Republic Services garbage collectors.

A work stoppage by Teamsters working for Republic Service in Boston has since spread to involve several thousand workers across the country.