City of Tacoma Solid Waste Management customers can expect normal garbage collection and self-haul service at the Tacoma Landfill during a strike by Pierce County garbage haulers (Local 313) against Waste Connections, Inc. (WCI).

Striking Pierce County garbage haulers are expected to picket the WCI-owned 304th Street Landfill in Graham where Tacoma has a contract to dispose of the majority of the city’s solid waste.

Since the city has a policy of not crossing picket lines, WCI replacement drivers will meet city drivers at designated areas to take city vehicles past the picket lines, unload the garbage, then return to the exchange point for city drivers to resume their normal duties.

“The city is taking a neutral stance on the strike,” said Solid Waste Division Manager Al Tebaldi. “Our first commitment is to serve our customers and make sure we maintain consistent collection and landfill services throughout the duration of the strike.”

City of Tacoma Solid Waste Management serves approximately 52,000 single-family residential households and 4,400 multi-family and commercial customers.

Each day, utility trucks collect about 640 tons of garbage and recyclables.