Only You Can Prevent Trash Truck Fires, OC Waste Management Says

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Summertime temperatures are on the rise. With neighbors across Orange County gathering around the grill and in backyard swimming pools, it's time to discuss proper disposal methods for coals and chemicals, according to OC Waste Management.

Only with proper disposal of cooled barbecue coals and hazardous materials removal of pool chemicals can you be sure to prevent heat related cart and collection truck fires.

"While summer is a wonderful time of the year to gather around the grill with friends and family, it can easily turn dangerous if proper handling and disposal of coals and pool chemicals is not followed," said Chip Monaco, Municipal and Community Affairs Manager for Waste Management. “Because safety is our top priority, we are asking community members to follow safe disposal practices in order to keep their loved ones and our drivers safe.”

Just as those coals helped to get the fire started in a barbecue, they can also start a fire in trash containers or, once emptied into the back of a truck, ignite the materials around it. To properly dispose of coals:

• Always cool coals for at least 48 hours in grill, then place in a metal container with a tight lid before placing in trash container and never in your recycling or green waste cart.
• Never place used coals in plastic, paper or wood containers.

“Pool chemicals as well as other common household hazardous wastes such as batteries, aerosol cans and household cleaners can also spark fires in carts or trucks,” adds Monaco. “These materials require special handling and should never be disposed of in trash, recycling or green waste carts.”

Waste Management offers programs for proper disposal in each of the cities it serves.

Residents may access their specific city program by visiting www.wmorangecounty.com.

Additionally, residents can conveniently dispose of household hazardous waste safely, and for free, at any of the four Orange County drop off locations below:

• 1071 N. Gum Street, Anaheim, CA 92806

• 17121 Nichols Street-Gate 6, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

• 6411 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618

• 32250 La Pata Ave, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

“By taking these extra steps to ensure proper disposal of cooled barbecue coals and common household hazardous waste, we can ensure the safety of our community and our team of dedicated drivers.”

OC Waste Management Photo