Leggett Hosts Trash Fire Awareness Event (VIDEO)

In an effort to bring awareness to the importance of disposing household waste materials safely to avoid a fire hazard, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett teamed up with the Department of Environmental Protection for an awareness event Friday.

The event was held at Montgomery County’s Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station in Derwood.

“It is important for residents to know what is not safe to throw in the trash, and it is equally as important for residents to know how to safely discard items,  especially when they may pose a fire risk,” Leggett released in a statement.

Officials from the Department of Environmental Protection urged residents to pay more attention to flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline and oil based paints; hazardous materials such as ammonia, bleach and pesticides, canisters containing propellants; and cylinders containing compressed gas such as propane, helium, oxygen and fire extinguishers.

Rechargeable batteries that contain lithium, nickel and heavy metals and ash from fireplaces and barbecue grills should not be disposed in the trash.

“We ask everyone to be mindful and careful about what they put into their trash to help keep fires out of resident trash cans, dumpsters, trash trucks, or facilities such as the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station,” said Lisa Feldt,  director of the Department of Environmental Protection. “Instead of putting these items in the trash, we encourage residents to take advantage of our Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, and all of the collection services available at our Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station.”

The Household Hazardous Waste program is open to all County residents.

So far this year, there have been seven fires caused by waste disposal that required the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Services to respond, according to Montgomery County Spokesperson, Brian Roberts.

For more information on preventing trash fires from hazardous waste, click here.

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

View all posts by Mitti Hicks