Don't Fuel Truck Fires: Valley Coalition Works Towards Keeping Hazardous Materials Out of Garbage Cans

A coalition of valley cities and towns is reminding residents about the danger of throwing hazardous items in their trash cans. Things like pool chemicals, tiki torch canisters, and hot coals should never go in the trash. These and many other items can start fires inside garbage trucks, at transfer stations, or at the landfill.

There have been dozens of truck fires across the valley in 2024, including 12 inPhoenix. All of these trash fires (also known as hot loads) were caused by hazardous material inside trash or recycling containers -- common household combustibles like paint, batteries, electronics, and pressurized canisters. Each fire puts solid waste operators in danger, slows the collection process, harms the environment, and can cause damage to heavy equipment that must be repaired using either taxpayer or ratepayer dollars.

"When I saw the smoke, I thought, 'Oh my goodness! This is a big-time hot load!'" said Anthony Guzman, a solid waste equipment operator with the City of Phoenix who has witnessed or been involved with four hot loads in just the last two years. "I was a little bit terrified, a little bit nervous. But at the same time, I've got to stop and think. This is very serious. You've got to think about the residents and the people around you - including yourself."

All Phoenix garbage truck drivers, including Guzman, are trained to dump burning trash in a safe place (in the street, for example) as soon as they know a fire has started, and call 911. This practice helps prevent injury and vehicle damage while they wait for firefighters. Each garbage truck is also equipped with a fire extinguisher. Still, the best way to keep these employees safe is to keep all hazardous waste out of curbside trash and recycling bins to begin with.

The proper way to dispose of hazardous items is to use the https://www.phoenix.gov/publicworks/recycling/household-hazardous-wasteHousehold Hazardous Waste Collection​ program, which allows you to set an appointment for Public Works employees to collect the items directly from your doorstep.

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