SNOHOMISH COUNTY — Garbage haulers and their employer recently reached agreement on a five-year contract, ratifying terms on Sunday, May 2.

“Our hardworking, professional drivers have endorsed a contract that will provide fair wages and benefits for many families in the Puget Sound Region,” said Dean Kattler, vice president for Waste Management’s Pacific Northwest operations. “Although we are not at liberty to discuss the specifics of the final contract, we are glad that the drivers voted to accept the terms of the contract. We look forward to continuing to provide our customers in communities in King and Snohomish counties with excellent service.”

The contract ends a contract disagreement between both drivers and the garbage and recycling provider.

Drivers for Waste Management had previously been working without a contract since April 1. A one-day strike by workers on April 21, which lasted until April 22, prompted both sides to continue negotiations.

Last week the Teamsters Union 174 and Waste Management struck a tentative deal.

The cities of Arlington and Marysville both contract with Waste Management. All residents who live within the cities of Arlington and Marysville are required to subscribe to recycling services provided by the company.

Garbage pickup is also provided by the company to those who live in all of Arlington. The city of Marysville collects garbage from all residents who live in the city limits with the exceptions of the Sunnyside and central annexation areas where the garbage is collected by Waste Management.

Waste Management employs 350 Teamsters 174 drivers who provide service to approximately one million customers in King and Snohomish Counties.