Valley coalition works to keep hazardous items out of trash cans

Pool chemicals, tiki torch canisters, lighters and hot coals should never go in the trash, but they do, causing fires inside garbage trucks that are dangerous and costly, Valley officials report.

A coalition of Valley municipalities reminds residents that as the weather cools and more time is spent outdoors the danger of truck fires increases, according to a release, which stated there have been dozens of garbage truck fires across the region in 2024.

Phoenix had 12 truck fires last year, and Queen Creek had five, the city of Phoenix release stated. Goodyear had three fires in the span of one week that caused more than $60,000 in truck damage.

All of the fires, also known as hot loads, were caused by hazardous material inside trash or recycling containers – common household combustibles such as batteries, electronics, paint or pressurized canisters.

“Each hot load puts solid waste equipment operators in danger, slows the collection process, harms the environment and causes damage to heavy equipment that must be repaired using either taxpayer or ratepayer dollars,” the release stated.

“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 Phoenix who has witnessed or been involved with four hot loads in 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.”

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