Government
BY ADAM DOE
Garbage truck fires cost city more than $1.2 million since 2023
Garbage truck fires could cost Plano over $1.2 million in truck replacements and repairs amid a rise in garbage truck fires caused by improper flammable trash disposal, according to a city official. The overview Since 2023, trash fires have damaged five Plano garbage trucks, with two back in service and three trucks destroyed, according to Plano Environmen- tal Waste Services Superintendent Steve Funk. It takes 12-18 months and costs roughly $400,000 to replace a truck, according to Funk. The most recent fire was in early January, Funk said. The truck has since been repaired and put back in service, but three other trucks have been completely destroyed in fires. Plano has replaced one truck and is currently replacing the other two. At $400,000 a piece for new trucks, plus repairs to the other two, the damage clears $1.2 million.
Explained Lithium batteries can catch fire when a bat- tery cell is crushed or punctured by collection equipment, releasing heat and toxic, flammable gas, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Single-use alkaline batteries, including AA, AAA, 9-volt and D cells—commonly found in remotes, flashlights and other household items—are considered nonhazardous. Lithium batteries are the rechargeable version. While lithium batteries are a common cause of fires, other flammable materials include barbecue charcoal and pool chemicals, Funk said. Funk said the fires are “totally preventable,” and advised residents to “search for proper disposal stations” to get rid of batteries. Many Home Depot locations work with environmental nonprofit Call 2 Recycle to provide battery recycling stations, according to Home Depot’s website.
Hazardous materials Plano homeowners can schedule a collection of household chemicals for free.
Garden products including: • fertilizer Household products including: • ammonia-based cleaners • fire extinguishers • insect sprays and more • pesticides
Pool products including: • chlorine • pool cleaners
• shock
treatment
Garage-stored products including: • anti-freeze • battery acid • gasoline • paint and more
A full list of accepted materials can be found at www.plano.gov/948/household-chemical-collection
SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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PLANO SOUTH EDITION
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