Hillsborough County, Florida, is taking proactive steps to address the increasing number of garbage truck fires linked to the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries, commonly found in devices such as cellphones, power tools, and smartwatches, have become a leading cause of fires within the waste industry.

Local Concerns and Initiatives

Daniel Gallagher, the solid waste project manager for Hillsborough County, reported that the county has experienced 30 truck fires over the past few years, with 13 occurring last year and five already this year. These fires pose significant risks to both the drivers and the vehicles, as drivers must quickly eject burning trash loads to prevent further damage and ensure their safety.

To combat this issue, the county is expanding its public education programs. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of residents considering whether items belong in the trash or recycling bin, as hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries and chemicals can lead to dangerous situations.

Progress and Public Education

Since October, the county’s educational campaign has shown success, with the number of collection drums filled with batteries rising from eight to 15 over a six-month period. This increase indicates growing public awareness and participation in proper disposal practices.

Household Fire Risks

The threat of battery fires extends beyond garbage trucks, affecting homes and apartments as well. Recently, Dunedin Fire Rescue responded to a mobile home fire caused by e-bikes and scooters catching fire in a carport. Lithium-ion batteries can swell and ignite if left plugged into chargers for extended periods, especially near flammable materials.

Guidelines for Safe Disposal

Residents are encouraged to place tape over battery terminals or separate them into sealed plastic bags before transporting them to designated drop-off locations or participating stores. If a battery cannot be easily removed from a device, it is advised not to dismantle it. The county accepts full electronics at its facilities but does not accept electric vehicle batteries, offering resources to redirect them instead.

For more information on disposal locations, residents can visit local county websites or The Battery Network for retail battery drop-off sites.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.