The City’s Recycling and Solid Waste Division urges residents to observe proper disposal methods of all household materials due to recent truck fire incidents during routine collections. 

While neither incident resulted in injuries, there was significant damage to vehicles and equipment. Residents can help prevent future fires by following the guidelines for waste disposal, particularly waste put out in a pile for a household junk pickup appointment. 

Items such as batteries, propane canisters, electronics, and chemicals like gasoline, should never be included in your household junk pickup or put in any curbside container due to their potential for fire.

Even a single lithium-ion battery in your household trash has the potential to start a fire in the truck or at the waste transfer station—particularly during the hotter months of summer. 

“We know most people don’t think of batteries as “hazardous,” but their potential to start a fire is why they should never be put in with household trash,” said Jesa David, spokesperson for the Division. “It’s important for all of our safety to be aware of how to dispose of potentially dangerous items like batteries, e-waste, propane tanks, chemicals and other household hazardous waste.”  

Household junk pickup appointments can be requested through 311. Customers should review the list of acceptable items to know what can be put out for a pickup appointment—including household junk, electronic waste and appliance pickups—or use the online Waste Wizard tool.  

Any engine or propane-powered items placed out for a junk pickup appointment—such as lawnmowers or camp stoves—must have all gas, gas canisters and oil removed. Propane canisters are not allowed in the City’s pickup program but can be dropped off for free at a local Household Hazardous Waste facility.  

You can also dispose of batteries, chemicals, and other waste at the Household Hazardous Waste facility. Information on disposing of hazardous waste can be found on our website.