The Peabody City Council convened on July 28, 2025, to address the ongoing challenges posed by a work stoppage affecting trash and recycling services in the city. Mayor Edward Bettencourt opened the meeting by acknowledging the significant impact this situation has had on residents, businesses, and city operations, expressing gratitude for the community's patience during these trying times.

At the heart of the discussion was the city's contract with Republic Services, which the mayor stated is currently in breach due to their failure to collect trash and recycling as stipulated. This breach has led to a public health nuisance, prompting the city to file a lawsuit against Republic Services alongside 13 other communities facing similar issues. The mayor noted that while the lawsuit addresses public health concerns, each community's contract with Republic Services varies, complicating collective legal action.

The city sought an emergency injunction to compel Republic Services to increase resources and fulfill their contractual obligations. However, the request was denied by a judge, who acknowledged the city's plight but cited legal limitations. Despite this setback, the lawsuit will proceed, and the city plans to document all incurred damages and costs related to the service disruption.

The mayor highlighted the extensive impact on city departments, particularly the Department of Public Services, which has seen 90% of its workload related to trash management during the strike. To alleviate some pressure, the city has organized days for residents to drop off their trash and recycling at the landfill, with costs associated with these services to be withheld from Republic Services.

Financially, the city currently pays approximately $200,000 monthly for trash and recycling services, a payment that has been suspended since the strike began. The mayor reassured residents that costs related to police details at active service sites would not fall on taxpayers but would be billed directly to Republic Services.

As the meeting concluded, the mayor and city officials remained open to questions from council members, emphasizing their commitment to keeping the public informed and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by the service disruption. The council's efforts reflect a broader goal of ensuring public health and maintaining community standards during this unprecedented situation.