A recent “hot load” from June 30, 2023, on the 2000 block of W Azeele Street in Tampa. Credit: Photo via City of Tampa

The City of Tampa says there’s been a recent uptick in “hot loads,” which is when trash spontaneously combusts inside a garbage truck, and now officials are looking to educate residents on how to properly dispose of their hazardous waste.

The culprit? Overheating lithium-ion batteries, chemicals, cleaning solutions, propane tanks or other electronics improperly disposed of in bins, says the City of Tampa.

So far in 2023, Tampa officials say the city has experienced three “hot loads,” compared to only two total in 2022.

“As temperatures rise this summer, there is a risk of hazardous materials heating up and reacting dangerously when combined with other waste in garbage trucks,” said Fire Chief Barbara Tripp at a Tuesday press conference. “Unlike a typical household fire, lithium-ion battery fires produce toxic gas, create an explosive environment, and can be extremely difficult for firefighters to extinguish.”

Officials say when a garbage or recycling truck driver notices a fire they’re forced to immediately dump the hot load on the street, as seen in the photo above.

“We are all responsible for keeping our environment, our amazing city and the people who serve it safe,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Through our partnership with Hillsborough County, we have created an easy way for Tampa residents to properly dispose of batteries, electronics, and chemicals that don’t belong in their trash bins.”

Hillsborough County offers multiple hazardous waste dump sites. Tampa residents can use these sites for free after showing a valid driver’s license as proof of City residency. Also, the City of Tampa also has a handy trash and recycling app, which informs residents about what can and can’t go in the bins.

Last November, the City of Tampa informed residents that contamination levels of recycling were at an all-time high.

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