King County and the cities of Kirkland, Redmond, Renton and Seattle Thursday urged a quick settlement to a strike against Waste Management by drivers represented by Teamsters Local 117 that collect recyclables and food and yard waste.

“While King County is not a party to the negotiations, I strongly encourage both sides to get back to the bargaining table and reach a fair and equitable agreement soon so that service disruptions can be avoided,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine.

Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride said residents give high marks for garbage and recycling services.

“We are hopeful that both parties will reach an agreement swiftly so that services can resume in Kirkland and other impacted communities,” she added.

To accommodate the possibility of pickets, Constantine said King County has established designated areas at solid waste transfer stations along with “neutral gates” so that employees can enter and exit and continue their work.

“We are taking steps to minimize impacts for residents and making changes at our waste transfer facilities so our workers will not have to cross a picket line to do their jobs,” he said.

Public Health – Seattle & King County has conditionally approved extended hours for garbage disposal at the county’s Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, if needed.

King County and the cities do not collect garbage, nor are the striking drivers public employees.

Waste Management provides collection services for residents and businesses in all or part of Algona, Auburn, Bothell, Burien, Carnation, Duvall, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Maple Valley, Newcastle, Pacific, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Seattle, Snoqualmie and Woodinville.

Residents can call their hauler for updated information about potential service delays. Residents who are uncertain as to which hauler provides collection service can visit your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/index.asp.