You Can Help Reduce the Risk for Trash Fires

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and Department of Environmental Protection Director Lisa Feldt held an event  to increase awareness of the importance of the safe disposal of household waste materials that could become a fire hazard when discarded in the trash. 

The Department of Environmental Protection is raising awareness about ways to safely dispose of hazardous household materials. It is important that residents know what materials should not go into the trash, and as equally important for residents to know how to safely dispose of those materials. 

The Household Hazardous Waste program, located at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station is open to all County residents. The provides opportunities for residents to discard many materials as safely and environmentally responsible as possible.

Careful attention should be given to ensure that items are safe to be placed in the trash. The following items SHOULD NOT go in the trash:

• flammable or combustible liquids (such as gasoline, oil-based paints, or kerosene);
• hazardous materials (including items such as ammonia, bleach, pool chemicals, pesticides, etc.);
• canisters containing propellants (like butane or propane);
• rechargeable batteries (which contain heavy metals, including lithium, nickel cadmium, or lead-acid)
• cylinders containing compressed gas (such as propane, helium, oxygen, acetylene, or fire extinguishers); 
• ash (from fireplaces, fire pits, or barbeque grills); or
• any unknown substances

When certain liquids or gases mix, there is a risk they could become a fire or explosion hazard. The Department of Environmental Protection’s Household Hazardous Waste collection program provides an appropriate way for residents to discard many volatile items. The Household Hazardous Waste program is open to all County residents.

For more information, read the Press release.