A widespread garbage strike by Republic Services employees, represented by the Teamsters union, is causing unsightly and unsanitary conditions across US cities this summer. The dispute centers on workers' demands for better pay and benefits, with the company accusing the union of criminal behavior and the union denying the claims.

• At its peak, effectively over 2,000 garbage collectors across the country were not on the job, impacting millions of Americans.
• The strike began on July 1 with Local 25 in the Greater Boston area and spread to cities including Manteca, California; Ottawa, Illinois; Cumming, Georgia; and Lacey, Washington.
• Gloucester Mayor Greg Vargas joined forces with five other towns to sue Republic Services over breach of contract, while Republic Services has sued the Teamsters.