The Brief
- Lithium-ion batteries have caused 30 garbage truck fires in Hillsborough County over the past few years, driven by improper disposal from residents.
- County officials launched an education campaign to teach people how to tape battery terminals and use proper county drop-off sites safely.
- The public outreach campaign has nearly doubled collection rates since October, growing battery collections from eight to 15 containers.
TAMPA, Fla. – Hillsborough County waste officials are expanding public education programs to prevent dangerous garbage truck fires caused by improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries.
Battery fire dangers
The backstory:
Lithium-ion batteries found in devices like cellphones, power tools and smartwatches are the leading cause of fires in the waste industry.
Hillsborough County solid waste project manager Daniel Gallagher said that the county has seen 30 truck fires in the past few years, including 13 last year and five so far this year.
When fires ignite, drivers must quickly eject the burning trash loads onto the ground to save the trucks and protect themselves. Gallagher said your help in preventing those fires starts at home.…