Patricia-Anne Tom

Reno, Nev. -- Waste Management Inc. is continuing negotiations today with striking garbage workers in Reno. Approximately 260 drivers walked off the job one week ago in a dispute over wages and benefits.

Waste Management operations director Greg Martinelli says he hopes union workers will vote over the weekend to ratify a new contract. If not, talks will resume Monday.

In the meantime, the Houston-based company has brought in replacement drivers from other states. But trash collections are running about a day behind schedule because company officials say those drivers are unfamiliar with routes, according to the AP. Waste Management also is suggesting residents self-haul their trash. Local Waste Management facilities where residential trash can be taken free of charge include the Stead transfer station and the Lockwood regional landfill. Recyclables will be picked up from residences once the strike ends, or residents can take them off at area drop-off sites.