As residents take on spring cleaning, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is reminding everyone to be mindful of what they throw into the trash as certain items can cause trash fires.
Improperly disposed materials can cause fires in trash cans, on trash trucks and at the County Transfer Station and Recycling Center.
“Spring cleaning is a great time for us to remind all residents how important it is to take extra care before throwing materials into the trash or recycling bins,” said DEP Director Adam Ortiz. “We have seen fires caused by improperly disposed materials, such as batteries and propane canisters. We want everyone to be safe as they take on spring cleaning and throughout the year.”
Do not place the following materials in the trash:
Properly dispose of these items through the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program or other special collection processes available at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station.
Additional information on the proper handling of other items is available on the County’s “I want to recycle or dispose of …” page.
Improperly disposed materials can cause fires in trash cans, on trash trucks and at the County Transfer Station and Recycling Center.
“Spring cleaning is a great time for us to remind all residents how important it is to take extra care before throwing materials into the trash or recycling bins,” said DEP Director Adam Ortiz. “We have seen fires caused by improperly disposed materials, such as batteries and propane canisters. We want everyone to be safe as they take on spring cleaning and throughout the year.”
Do not place the following materials 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, paint thinners, etc.)
- Canisters containing propellants (including butane or propane)
- Cylinders containing compressed gas (such as propane, helium, oxygen, acetylene or fire extinguishers)
- Batteries (alkaline and rechargeable batteries that contain heavy metals, including lithium, nickel cadmium or lead-acid)
- Ashes (from fireplaces, fire pits or barbecue grills) – more information on proper disposal of ashes from Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service
- Charcoal and used charcoal bags (containing flammable agents)
- Unknown substances (will be managed as Household Hazardous Waste)
Properly dispose of these items through the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program or other special collection processes available at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station.
Additional information on the proper handling of other items is available on the County’s “I want to recycle or dispose of …” page.
