Dearborn Garbage Haulers Have to Dump Smoldering Loads — Again

DEARBORN, MI — For the second time this year, trash haulers have had to dump their loads because the truck was on fire, sparking a warning from the Dearborn Sanitation Department against throwing away anything hot, smoldering or combustible in trash carts.

The truck caught fire Tuesday, Aug. 9, forcing workers to dump the burning trash into the street of a Dearborn neighborhood. Six police officers, two fire engines and three sanitation personnel cleaned and secured the scene.

Although no one was injured, the incident put a temporary strain on resources and inconvenienced residents.

Dearborn’s Sanitation Division reminds residents that hot or smoldering materials are not to be placed in trash carts. Hot charcoal, for example, should be drowned out with water or sit at least 24 hours to cool, before being thrown away in the gray trash cart.

Materials that can accelerate burning, such as gas, motor oil and paint, should not to be placed in trash carts or recycling carts.

Hazardous materials can be disposed of properly through Wayne County’s Household Hazardous Waste Days, which are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Westland Shopping Center, 35000 Warren Road; and Saturday, Oct. 8, at Wayne County Community College, 21000 Northline Road in Taylor.

Proof of Wayne County residence is required.

Image: Six police officers, two fire engines and three sanitation personnel were needed to clean and secure the scene when the inside of a trash truck caught fire from material placed in a resident’s trash cart in Dearborn on Aug. 9. City of Dearborn photo.