
“Hot loads” caused by hazardous material inside trash and recycling containers can be terrifying and dangerous for solid waste workers, not to mention nearby neighbors (photo courtesy of City of Phoenix Public Works Department).
As many Arizonans get ready for cooler weather and more time outdoors, the city of Phoenix is joining other cities and towns in reminding residents about the danger of throwing hazardous items in their trash or recycling cans. Things like pool chemicals, tiki torch canisters, lighters and hot coals should never go in the trash. These and many other items can start fires inside garbage trucks, at transfer stations, or at the landfill.
There have been dozens of garbage truck fires across the Valley in 2024, the city of Phoenix said. Phoenix had 12 truck fires last year, and Queen Creek had five. Goodyear had three fires in the span of one week that caused more than $60,000 in truck damage. All of these fires (also known as hot loads) were caused by hazardous material inside trash or recycling containers – common household combustibles like 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 City of Phoenix Public Works Department offers a program that assists solid waste residential customers with the proper disposal of their household hazardous waste items (HHW). Residents should first check the accepted materials list online, then schedule a home collection either online or by calling 602-262-6251. Only customers with a residential solid waste account are eligible, and only one collection per customer is allowed per calendar year.
To learn more, visit www.phoenix.gov/publicworks/recycling/household-hazardous-waste.