Trash Crisis Grows at Malden High Ahead of School Start
URGENT UPDATE: As classes prepare to resume in just a few weeks, trash is piling up at Malden High School, raising serious health and safety concerns. The ongoing strike by trash collectors from Republic Services, which began on July 1, 2023, has left the school and its surrounding community in a dire situation.
City Councilor at large Karen Colon Hayes visited the school on Saturday and described the scene as “worse than I thought.” She expressed her alarm at the overflowing dumpsters, stating, “When school starts, I don’t know. We are not going to have this go on. There are going to be kids with tons of garbage…this is not safe.”
The strike, now entering its seventh week, affects 14 Massachusetts communities, with no resolution in sight. Negotiations over wages and health insurance have stalled, leaving schools and residents frustrated. Bob Knox, director of the Department of Public Works, confirmed the critical need for waste removal, citing that while a truck is expected this week, it does not happen frequently enough to manage the growing refuse.
On August 3, 2023, workers voted to continue their strike, demanding better working conditions. Governor Maura Healey previously urged Republic to reach an agreement, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution to restore waste services.
In the meantime, residents have resorted to dropping off recyclables at the Ferry Way School, though this service will soon be discontinued, adding to the community’s frustrations. Local resident Elizabeth Helms voiced her concerns, stating, “It is very hard for us to deal with this on a day-to-day basis.”
As the start of the school year approaches, officials and residents alike are anxiously awaiting a solution to this growing trash crisis. The impact on students, health, and local morale remains at the forefront of discussions as the community grapples with the ongoing strike.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
