Mediation continues in garbage driver dispute: EAST BAY: Waste Management says trash being picked up despite lockout since July 2.

Byline: Chris Metinko

Jul. 20--Negotiations in the East Bay garbage dispute continued late Thursday, as the Teamster union's lockout stretched into day 18.

Waste Management of Alameda County and its union drivers -- along with a federal mediator and Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums -- met for a second straight day to try to break a stalemate that has led to piles of trash, court hearings and unhappy customers.

Local 70 represents 481 drivers who have been locked out by Waste Management since July 2 -- nearly two days after their contract expired.

This week represents the most bargaining that has been done toward a new contract. Both sides also met …