Troy Fire Department Cautions Against Battery Disposal After Garbage Truck Fire
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 9, 2025)
Troy, MI -Troy Fire Department has shared pictures from a fire in a garbage truck on Thursday, stating:
“Troy Fire Department responded to a sanitation truck fire yesterday. The fire occurred in the rear of the truck, and the load had to be dumped so firefighters could safely extinguish the flames and prevent damage to the truck.
“While the exact cause is still unknown, the incident was likely due to improper disposal of lithium batteries. These types of batteries — commonly found in phones, laptops, power tools, and toys, should never be thrown in household trash or recycling bins. When crushed or damaged during garbage collection, they can spark fires that endanger sanitation workers, emergency crews, and the public.
“When in doubt, ask. Your local waste management provider can guide you on how to dispose of batteries safely. Let’s work together to keep our community safe — and to protect those who serve it.”
Oakland County Times recently reported on a presentation about the future of waste disposal and recycling. Here’s a bit about what is on the horizon: https://oaklandcounty115.com/2025/04/19/mml4-the-future-of-recycling-and-waste-management-in-michigan/.
SOCRRA has information about battery disposal at https://www.socrra.org/waste-wizard#!rc-cpage=291798
