Fire officials urges proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries after recycling truck fire in Sunderland
Last month, crews were called to a recycling truck fire on River Road in Sunderland. The Department of Fire Services said that the truck was collecting curbside recycling when the driver noticed the fire in the back of the truck. The driver called 911 and found a safe area to dump the burning contents, which is per their protocol.
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The Sunderland Fire Department, with the help of the Sunderland Highway Department, was able to put the fire out and spread the recycling apart to be sure it was completely out. The cause, determined by the Department of Fire Services, was from lithium-ion batteries that were placed in a household's recycling bin. When it was collected by the truck, it was compacted, causing an uncontrolled increase in temperature inside the battery known as thermal runaway, resulting in a fire that spread quickly.
Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many household items such as cell phones, laptops and tablets, watches, e-bikes, vape devices, electric vehicles, power tools, and many children's toys. Sunderland Chief Benjamin and State Fire Marshal Davine are reminding residents that these batteries should not be placed in the trash or household recycling.
To properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries, they can be brought to a household hazardous waste collection site or a battery recycling center such as Staples, Home Depot, and Lowe's. To find a location near you, visit Call2Recycle.org.
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