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 in the bin. Improper disposal of flammable materials is a growing risk, and we need your help to prevent dangerous and costly incidents.

Why Flammable Waste Is So Dangerous
 When flammable or combustible items end up in the trash or recycling, they can ignite unexpectedly in collection trucks or at processing facilities. Fires can cause serious injury, destroy expensive equipment, and endanger neighborhoods. Even a small spark can escalate quickly in the compacted environment of a garbage truck.

Hot Loads and Why They Are Dangerous
 A “hot load” occurs when a fire starts inside a collection truck during a route. These fires are often caused by smoldering ashes, fireworks, chemicals, or batteries that ignite under pressure. They are extremely dangerous because flames can spread rapidly in the confined truck space, forcing drivers to dump the load in a safe area to prevent the vehicle from being destroyed. This can put bystanders and nearby property at risk and often results in costly equipment repairs and service delays. Preventing hot loads starts at the curb. Never place smoldering materials or flammable items in your trash or recycling cart, and always allow ashes to cool completely for at least 48 hours before disposal.

Hazardous Items to Watch For
 Some of the most common fire hazards we encounter include:

  • Lithium-ion batteries from electronics, tools, and e-bikes
  • Propane or other fuel canisters
  • Paints, solvents, and adhesives
  • Charcoal and ashes
  • Fireworks
  • Aerosol cans (especially full or partially full)

None of these items should ever go in regular trash or recycling carts.

Proper Disposal
 Many hazardous materials have dedicated drop-off sites or scheduled collection events in your area. Your county’s solid waste department is the best source for finding safe disposal options for items like batteries, household chemicals, pressurized containers, and old electronics. If you are unsure whether something is safe to throw away, set it aside and ask. Our customer service team can help, and your local government’s waste management guidelines are another reliable resource.

Your Role in Keeping Our Communities Safe

 By making safe disposal choices, you are protecting our drivers and crews, the environment, and your neighborhood. Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and with your help, we can keep dangerous incidents from starting in the first place.