Scottsdale experiences increase in trash truck fires, urges safe disposal practices

The city of Scottsdale is alerting residents to a recent increase in trash and recycling truck fires linked to the improper disposal of hazardous materials. City officials are urging the community to take immediate action to help protect employees, emergency responders and the public.

“The city has recently experienced multiple load fires in collection vehicles and many of these fires are preventable,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “By properly disposing of hazardous materials, residents can play a direct role in keeping our crews safe and our community protected. Each of these incidents puts our employees, first responders and the general public at risk.”

When a fire starts inside a collection truck, drivers must act quickly. In many cases, the safest option is to dump the load onto the street to prevent flames from spreading to the truck or nearby homes and vehicles. While necessary, this can disrupt neighborhoods, impact traffic and require emergency response.

“These incidents have the potential to escalate quickly, threatening natural desert habitat, nearby homes and increasing wildfire risk, especially during hot, dry conditions,” said Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon. “If ignited materials are dumped during a load fire or sparks travel from collection activity, nearby desert areas can be vulnerable to fire ignition. Proper disposal of hazardous materials is one of the easiest ways residents can help prevent fires and keep Scottsdale safe.”

Common causes of truck fires

City investigations point to several frequent sources:

• Lithium-ion batteries found in phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, vape devices and toys. When crushed during collection, these batteries can ignite or explode.
• Rechargeable devices such as electric toothbrushes and wireless headphones that contain hidden batteries.
• Household hazardous waste including pool chemicals, propane cylinders, gasoline and flammable cleaning products.
• Other ignition sources such as hot ashes, fireworks, ammunition or improperly discarded appliances.

How residents can help

Residents play a key role in preventing these fires. Simple steps at home can make a big difference:

Do:

• Schedule a household hazardous waste pickup for chemicals, fuels and other hazardous materials.
• Take batteries to proper recycling locations.
• Tape battery terminals, especially lithium and 9-volt batteries, before transport.
• Set aside rechargeable devices for proper disposal.

Do not:

• Place batteries in trash or recycling containers.
• Dispose of propane tanks, gasoline or pool chemicals in curbside bins.
• Throw away electronics or items with rechargeable batteries.

Small actions by residents can prevent dangerous incidents and help keep Scottsdale’s neighborhoods, crews and desert environment safe.

For more information or to schedule a household hazardous waste pickup, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “HHW,” or contact Solid Waste Services at 480-312-5600.