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.

Teamsters Local 25 and Republic Services walked away from the bargaining table on Tuesday, having made “little progress” on a deal to end the work stoppage.

Republic Services trash and recycling collectors have been on strike since July 1 in several Massachusetts towns. Trash is piling up and negotiations have stalled after failed talks with federal mediators.

State leaders urge Republic Services to finalize contract with striking Teamsters as uncollected garbage piles up in Massachusetts communities and other states across the country.

The Teamsters union said it had picket lines up at Republic Services locations in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Other strikes against Republic, a national waste management firm, have begun in Georgia and Illinois.