People in some parts of Northern California are seeing and smelling the effects of an ongoing waste workers strike. That includes the city of Stockton, where trash is piling up at curbsides and city leaders are demanding answers as to why they weren't warned of a strike further in advance.

Republic Services and the Teamsters have been at a standoff since July 1, when 450 local workers went on strike after the union's contract expired. Teamsters are seeking better wages, benefits and stronger labor protections.

The work stoppage, led by Teamsters-affiliated employees demanding contract improvements, has now impacted waste collection in parts of King and Snohomish counties. Republic Services, one of the region’s largest waste haulers, is in contract negotiations with workers at five locations across the state.

A federal mediator was scheduled to meet with members of the Teamsters Local 25 and the trash company providing garbage services in more than a dozen Bay State cities and towns on Tuesday.

Bellevue sets up temporary waste drop-off at Bannerwood Park due to ongoing labor dispute with Republic Services, offering relief for residents during work stoppage.

Trash service is resuming for some in Contra Costa County, but for others, there's no end in sight as a Republic Services garbage workers' walkout has trash piling up across the Bay Area.

Hundreds of Republic Services employees in Boston have been on strike since July 1, demanding a contract with better wages and benefits, as well as stronger labor protections. Since that time, picket lines have extended nationwide, including in Chula Vista and at some facilities in San Diego.