Half Moon Bay urges patience as Republic Services strike disrupts trash pickups; city mobilizes dumpsters and tracks damages

Half Moon Bay city officials told residents Wednesday that a labor action affecting Republic Services drivers has produced sporadic trash collection across the city and prompted temporary measures including public dumpsters and daily updates. City Manager Matthew Chidester said the city is coordinating with Republic and neighboring jurisdictions to limit health risks while the dispute continues.

The city advised residents to put cans out on their scheduled pickup day and said two dumpsters for residential customers are available at the sewer treatment plant (1000 North Cabrillo Highway) and the train depot site at 110 Higgins Canyon Road; a third dumpster behind City Hall serves downtown residents and businesses. "We really ask for good-neighbor behavior that people really focus on actual needs," Chidester said.

The council and staff stressed public-health concerns and mitigation steps. Chidester said the city has received frequent communications from Republic and that Republic has been using managers and outside crews to provide sporadic service. "The strike is ongoing. There is no estimate to the end," he said, adding that Republic has been responsive to the city and that the city will pursue contractual remedies for missed service. "We have what's called liquidated damages within our contract, which allows us to find them...we will be pursuing those when this gets resolved," he said.

Staff also said the city placed municipal dumpsters in parts of town to reduce overflow and urged residents to clean recyclables before storage to reduce pests. Public Works Director Maz Bogazigenia said the city has had staff step in to empty some public trash cans, and that those hours are being tracked for later reimbursement claims against Republic.

Council members and the public raised concerns about misuse of the temporary dumpsters (large items, construction debris and personal effects) and the lack of signage. Council Member Deborah Penrose and others asked whether businesses and restaurants are being treated differently; staff said Republic had prioritized dumpsters and business dumpsters over the first days of the disruption and that the city is working with Republic on customer reimbursements for missed service.

Private residents and business owners reported varied neighborhood experiences at the meeting. One resident said his condominium complex had not received pickup in two weeks; another described contractor dumping at collection sites. Chidester said the city is tracking staff time and other costs and will seek to recoup damages under the franchise agreement. "We're tracking all these costs...we will be pursuing those liquidated damages when all is said and done," he said.

The city also said the mosquito and vector control district has been monitoring for rodent or vector risks. Residents were advised to monitor the city's website and Republic Services' updates for the latest service information. The city recommended that people who still need disposal use the designated dumpsters and avoid illegal dumping. The council did not take formal action beyond the public updates and direction to staff to continue mitigation and to seek contractual remedies where appropriate.