A fire inside a Tampa Solid Waste truck on June 30, 2023, required the driver to quickly remove the load of trash to prevent flames from spreading throughout the truck.
WHAT: The City of Tampa is hosting a press conference to raise awareness about a recent trend called “hot loads,” highlighting the dangers of disposing of lithium-ion batteries and household hazardous chemicals in trash bins.
WHO: Mayor Jane Castor; Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp, Tampa Solid Waste Department Director Larry Washington
DATE: Tuesday, August 1, 2023
TIME: 10:30 AM
LOCATION: McKay Bay Transfer Station, 114 S. 34th Street
DIRECTIONS: Upon arrival at McKay Bay, drive through the scale house and take the bypass lane to the far right. Keep straight, driving up the righthand side ramp. The press conference location will be inside the newest transfer station (covered area).
Media outlets planning to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing media@tampagov.net
Learn the Risks: Tampa officials warning of battery and chemical disposal dangers
As temperatures rise this summer, there is an increased risk of hazardous materials disposed of improperly heating up and causing fires within trash bins and garbage trucks.
The City of Tampa is seeing a recent trend in “hot loads” during the spring and summer months. Hot loads is a term used to describe spontaneous combustion and fires occurring inside trash or recycling trucks as a result of overheating lithium-ion batteries, chemicals, cleaning solutions, propane tanks or electronics improperly disposed of in bins.
Video footage of a recent hot load that occurred on June 30, 2023, on the 2000 block of W Azeele Street in Tampa.
At a press conference planned for Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 10:30 am at the McKay Bay Transfer Station, Mayor Jane Castor, joined by Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp and Tampa Solid Waste Director Larry Washington, will detail alternative, safer options for residents to dispose of hazardous waste.
Media outlets planning to attend should RSVP by emailing media@tampagov.net