Bridgestone MUD Residents,
A recent fire broke out in a waste collection truck right here in our own district—Bridgestone MUD. The cause? Improperly discarded aerosol cans and oil-based materials are placed in a recycling cart. These types of hazardous items can ignite when compacted, creating extremely dangerous situations for our sanitation workers and our community.
Why Do Garbage Truck Fires Happen?
Fires in garbage or recycling trucks are often caused by the improper disposal of materials like aerosol cans, household chemicals, batteries, and oil-based products. These items can react with other waste or ignite when under pressure. For example, mixing bleach and ammonia can result in toxic gases or combustion. These are preventable incidents if we all follow proper disposal practices.
What Belongs in Your Recycling Cart?
Help keep our community safe by recycling the right way. Acceptable items include:
- Paperboard and brown paper bags
- Phone books, catalogs, magazines, newspapers, and junk mail
- Tin, steel, and aluminum cans
- Office and school paper
- Flattened cardboard and cereal/food boxes
- Glass bottles and jars
- Plastics labeled #1, #2, #5, and #7
Recycling Cart Dos and Don’ts:
✅ Rinse all recyclables and remove any leftover food or liquid
✅ Place recyclables directly in the cart—no plastic bags
✅ Only include approved recyclable items
🚫 Do not place yard waste in your recycling cart
🚫 Do not include aerosol cans, batteries, oil-based items, or other hazardous materials
🚫 Do not bag recyclables or include items not listed as accepted
Trash Collection Reminders:
According to Bridgestone MUD's waste collection guidelines:
- Household trash must be bagged and placed inside containers
- Yard waste and heavy trash must follow designated placement and size rules
- Hazardous materials such as paint, oil, batteries, and chemicals should never be placed in trash or recycling carts
Your attention to these guidelines can prevent dangerous incidents like truck fires and keep our sanitation workers and the community safe. Thank you for doing your part to make Bridgestone MUD a safer, cleaner place to live.
Learn more at: bridgestonemud.com/waste-collection