A safety update from Capital Waste Services, your trusted trash and recycling collection company in the Southeast
At Capital Waste Services, safety is the foundation of everything we do, from the curb to the landfill. As a leader in residential waste pickup, dumpster services, and recycling solutions across the Southeast, we work hard to protect our workers, equipment, and the communities we serve.
But one of the biggest threats to that safety starts with what gets placed inside your trash bin.
Improper disposal of hazardous household waste is a serious issue in the waste management industry, with potentially explosive consequences. One of the most hazardous outcomes we encounter is a phenomenon known as a hot load.
What is a Hot Load
In the waste industry, a hot load refers to any garbage truck or dumpster load that catches fire during collection, compaction, or transfer. These fires can be sudden, extremely dangerous, and completely preventable.
They are most often caused by hazardous materials that were incorrectly placed in regular household trash or recycling bins.
What Materials Cause Hot Loads
At Capital Waste Services, we have seen hot loads result from a variety of common household items, including:
- Lithium-ion batteries such as those in phones, vape pens, or power tools
- Propane tanks, gas canisters, or lighter fluid
- Paints, solvents, or motor oil
- Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners
- Aerosol cans or chemical sprays
- Oily rags or flammable materials
- Chemicals, Paint, and Solvents
When these items are compacted inside a collection truck or crushed in a dumpster, they can ignite or react chemically, causing fast-spreading fires and major hazards on the road or at transfer stations.
Why This Matters for Residential Waste Pickup
Our drivers work long hours on tight schedules to provide reliable trash collection and waste disposal services to thousands of homes and businesses every week. A single hot load can cause:
- Serious danger to driver and public safety
- Expensive truck and equipment damage
- Emergency dumping and fire response
- Environmental pollution
- Delays in service across entire neighborhoods
Hot loads are not just a workplace safety issue. They can directly impact your home and your neighborhood.
Proper Hazardous Waste Removal Starts With You
Safe trash disposal at home plays a huge role in keeping our entire system running smoothly. Here is how you can help prevent hot loads and protect your community:
- Never throw batteries or electronics in your bin. Take them to an approved drop-off location
- Keep all flammable or chemical products out of household trash
- Look for warning labels such as flammable, corrosive, or explosive
- Use local hazardous waste collection days or special drop-off events
- Contact us with questions about how to properly dispose of questionable items
Capital Waste Services Leads the Way in Waste Industry Safety
We take pride in delivering smarter, cleaner, and safer waste management in the Southeast. With your help, we can continue to raise the bar.
Whether you need residential waste pickup, dumpster services, or hazardous waste removal guidance, Capital Waste Services is here to provide expert solutions with community safety in mind.
When in doubt, do not throw it out. Reach out to our team for help with safe disposal and protect your home, your neighbors, and your local sanitation workers from unnecessary risk.