Garbage truck load ignites over discarded lighters, sorted recyclables destroyed

Waste management company Lautus Vide has reported on social media an incident in which separately collected paper, metal and plastic packaging caught fire inside a refuse truck. The company is using the case to remind residents why hazardous items must not be placed in sorted waste.

The fire broke out on a route collecting sorted packaging. It started right after the containers had been emptied, when the waste was already inside the truck. The State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene.

After the flames were put out, rescuers found and removed many discarded lighters from the pile of waste. According to the company, the lighters most likely ignited as a result of mechanical compression.

Consequences

The whole large load became unfit for recycling because of the fire and the water used to extinguish it. The effort of residents who had sorted their waste correctly was therefore wasted as well.

Lautus Vide says such behavior endangers the health and lives of waste industry workers and can damage specialized vehicles.

Why lighters are dangerous

The company reminds people that used lighters are hazardous waste. They often retain traces of gas or petrol, which can ignite immediately under pressure or a spark, and may even explode.

To keep hazardous substances out of yellow containers and other unsuitable bins, residents are encouraged to consult the waste sorting guide for the Central Latvia region.