The Town of Gilbert is warning residents to be more careful about what they place in trash and recycling bins after the community experienced six trash truck fires within the past year, according to town officials.

Officials said many of the fires are caused by hazardous materials being improperly thrown into household garbage and recycling containers. Items such as batteries, pool chemicals, paint, household cleaners, propane tanks, automotive fluids, and other flammable materials can ignite once compacted inside garbage trucks during collection routes.

Town leaders explained that trash truck fires can spread quickly and create dangerous conditions for sanitation workers, nearby drivers, and the community. In some cases, crews may be forced to dump burning trash loads into open areas in order to safely extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to the truck itself.

Gilbert officials said lithium-ion batteries are one of the biggest concerns because they can spark when crushed or damaged during the waste collection process. Batteries from electronics, power tools, e-bikes, phones, vape devices, and other rechargeable products can all become fire hazards if thrown into standard trash bins.

The town is urging residents to instead dispose of hazardous materials through Gilbert’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility, where trained staff can safely handle dangerous items that should not enter the normal waste stream. Officials said the facility accepts many hazardous products that commonly lead to fires and explosions when improperly discarded.

Town officials also reminded residents about proper disposal of fireplace ashes and charcoal during grilling and fire pit season. Hot ashes can remain capable of igniting fires for hours or even days after appearing extinguished. Gilbert advises residents to allow ashes to cool completely for at least 24 hours, place them in a securely tied bag, and only then place them in trash containers.

Officials stressed that even seemingly small items can create major problems once compacted inside a garbage truck. Hazardous materials hidden inside ordinary trash can rapidly turn into dangerous “hot loads,” putting drivers and emergency responders at risk.

Gilbert also announced that residents who cannot make it to the town’s hazardous waste facility will have another opportunity to safely dispose of dangerous and hard-to-recycle items during a special Household Hazardous Waste and Recycling Event scheduled for Feb. 28, 2026, at Gilbert Public Works located at 900 E. Juniper Avenue. The drive-through event will also include document shredding and recycling services.

Town officials said Gilbert’s Solid Waste and Recycling crews work daily to safely collect trash throughout the community, and they are asking residents to help reduce preventable fires by properly disposing of hazardous items and spreading awareness to neighbors and family members.

Source: ABC15 Arizona