Here’s what else you shouldn’t let your city trash crew haul off willy-nilly.
Last week, two trash collectors with Local Waste Services in Central Ohio moved blue residential bins around the back of their garbage truck. As one went to lift and empty a container into the rig, he was met with a huge explosion.
Illegally placed Oxygen tank explodes, blowing trash at the collectors and starting a fire
The event left the employee holding his ears and walking off-camera, but he quickly re-entered the scene to assess the situation.
He and his colleague exchanged exclamations…before he spotted the flames growing inside the waste body.
The garbage collector moved to grab a fire extinguisher, using it on the truck before calling emergency services.
Local police said the explosion registered on the city’s gunshot notification system.
Inspections revealed an oxygen tank inside the truck. It appears a resident illegally placed the tank in their regular trash bin.
Authorities reiterated the importance of knowing what to keep out of regular garbage bins
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio shared a list of household hazardous waste items that can be dropped off at the HHW facility…since they don’t belong in the trash.
Some items listed include:
- Batteries: All batteries including alkaline, computer, vehicle, and others.
- Fire extinguishers
- Flammables: Aerosol spray paint, anti-freeze, brake fluid, insecticides, cooking oil, motor oil, pool chemicals, nail polish and remover, rat poison, etc.
- Gasoline mixed with oil
- Old Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Lighter fluid
- Oxygen tanks
- Propane, Helium, and similar gas tanks
- Thermostats containing mercury
- Thinners
Be sure to check with your area’s trash authority on which items are considered safe and legal to toss in your regular trash bin.
