Second trash truck this summer catches fire

The City of Dearborn Sanitation Department is urging residents not to throw away anything hot, smoldering or combustible in their gray trash carts, following the second trash truck fire this summer.

The truck caught fire Tuesday, Aug. 9, forcing workers to dump the burning trash into the street of a Dearborn neighborhood. Six police officers, two fire engines and three sanitation personnel cleaned and secured the scene.

Although no one was injured, the incident put a temporary strain on resources and inconvenienced residents.

Dearborn’s Sanitation Division reminds residents that hot or smoldering materials are not to be placed in trash carts. Hot charcoal, for example, should be drowned out with water or sit at least 24 hours to cool, before being thrown away in the gray trash cart.

Materials that can accelerate burning, such as gas, motor oil and paint, should  not to be placed in trash carts or recycling carts.

Hazardous materials can be disposed of properly through Wayne County’s Household Hazardous Waste Day, which is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, at Wayne County Community College, 21000 Northline Road in Taylor.

Proof of Wayne County residence is required. For more information, visit www.waynecounty.com