MALDEN, Mass. —

Concern is growing among Massachusetts communities as a Republic trash workers strike has reached its seventh week, even as local students are set to go back to school in less than a month.

Waste has been piling up at dumpsters and along streets in more than a dozen communities.

Officials in Malden say that because of the delays, people have been looking for any dumpster to toss their trash, attracting animals and bugs that could be dangerous.

"It's a public health hazard, no doubt about it. We all know rats carry diseases, bugs, and mice. I don’t want my kids around that," said Karen Colon Hayes, Malden City Councilor At Large. "My friends that I’m with right now, they all have kids that are school-aged, and they are very concerned."

Malden High School is not an offic

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