~ Guest Commentary ~ By Malden Councillor-At-Large Craig Spadafora

This Stinks.

While the trash strike continues in Malden and the days grow shorter, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the strength of our community. In the face of disruption, neighbors are stepping up—transporting recycling to drop-off sites, taking in each other’s barrels, and lending a hand wherever they can. In challenging times, solidarity shines.

Let’s begin with the facts:

Fact #1: I Stand with the Teamsters.
These workers have labored through heatwaves, snowstorms, and everything in between to keep our city clean. They deserve fair compensation—plain and simple. As I’ve said before, Republic Services must return to the negotiating table and meet the just demands of these essential workers. The strike has revealed a long-standing truth: they are worth more than they’re asking. They are not replaceable — they are needed.

Fact #2: This Stinks—for Everyone.
There are no winners in this situation. Residents are frustrated. Workers are fighting for dignity. And our streets are suffering the consequences.

Fact #3: Recycling Suspension Undermines Our Values.
Earlier this week, the city announced a suspension of curbside recycling. This is more than an inconvenience—it undermines our shared commitment to sustainability. Like many of you, I generate more recyclables than trash. This disruption affects environmentally conscious residents the most.

Fact #4: Noncompliance Is Not the Answer.
Let’s be clear: the strike does not justify ignoring basic trash regulations. We’ve seen bags left outside barrels, mattresses dumped on sidewalks, and furniture discarded in the streets. These problems existed before—but they’ve worsened in recent months. It’s not right that those who follow the rules are penalized, while those who don’t are allowed to skirt responsibility and most importantly, this solves nothing.

Fact #5: Malden Has a Trash Enforcement Problem—and It’s Time to Fix It.
Even before the strike, enforcement was lacking. That must change. I, along with several council colleagues, am working on legislation to empower multiple city departments to issue citations for trash violations. Malden is a growing city—and it deserves a system that holds everyone accountable.

The City has gone to great lengths to communicate clearly and frequently and offers many tools for residents of all languages to stay informed.  Residents need to use these tools.  Education and empathy must come first—but we must also be willing to act when necessary. Responsible disposal isn’t optional. It’s part of living in a shared community.

For these reasons, I request an emergency meeting this week to discuss all our options. I want to express my gratitude to President Linehan for acting swiftly to arrange a meeting.

As we navigate the complexities of this ongoing strike, I remain hopeful. The kindness I see in our neighborhoods—people helping people, neighbors supporting neighbors—reminds me why I believe in Malden’s future but with every passing day, the limitations of the patience we’ve seen gets tested.

A Strong Past. A Proud future. Let’s keep building it—together.