BOCA RATON — As Memorial Day weekend and summertime approaches, Waste Management (WM) is reminding all Florida residents to properly dispose of household items that are causing an increase in garbage and recycling truck and facility fires throughout the state.

“These fires are dangerous for our drivers, local firefighters and the streets and neighborhoods where the ‘hot loads’ are managed,” said WM Area Safety Director Chris Carey.

Lithium ion batteries, now in so many household products including electronics, toys, vape pens and even greeting cards, are sparking many of the truck fires and cannot be put in curbside garbage or recycling containers.

Instead, visit your county or city website to find a household hazardous waste drop off location for your lithium ion and rechargeable batteries. Many retailers also accept batteries for recycling. Go to www.call2recycle.org to find a retailer near you.

WM also offers these safety tips for barbeque coals, paint and other household hazardous waste:

• Cool coals for several days on the grill or in a metal container full of water then place in a metal container with a tight lid before placing in your trash container.

• Never place used coals in plastic, paper or wood containers.
• Keep all flammable and hazardous materials out of your waste and recycling containers including propane tanks, paint, pool chemicals, motor oil and pesticides. Instead, take them to your County/City household hazardous waste drop off location.