Fireworks disposal and garbage fire prevention

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Recycling and Garbage News

Prevent garbage fires by safely disposing of fireworks, flammables, and ignitables

Garbage fires can happen at home and at public waste facilities

In July 2015, Kitsap County’s main transfer station, Olympic View, experienced a fire that started in the garbage pile. The fire resulted in a two-day facility closure and repair costs of over $1 million.

Just last week, our neighbors in Pierce County experienced a garbage fire at their Purdy Transfer Station. According to Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One, “Debris fires are particularly stubborn to extinguish and emit toxic smoke. Firefighters will need to wear their breathing apparatus as they dig through the debris and completely extinguish the fire.”

These fires are preventable. With all the county’s waste coming to Olympic View Transfer Station, we should all treat the facility as a shared community resource.

Never put flammable or ignitable items in your garbage or recycling. Follow these instructions for safely handling and disposing of common flammable and ignitable items.*

 


Fireworks

Fireworks

Used fireworks can hold heat for a long time and cause a fire. To safely dispose of used fireworks:

  • Soak them in a bucket of water for at least 15 minutes
  • Wrap them in plastic
  • Put them in your garbage

The water will contain heavy metals, so it is recommended that you dump the leftover water on gravel or grass – not down a sink or storm drain where it can pollute groundwater, streams, or Puget Sound.

In unincorporated areas, some fireworks are OK to discharge at home on July 4th between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. If you live within city limits, please check with your city for fireworks restrictions.

 


rechargeable battery

Batteries

Button cell and rechargeable batteries are not accepted in the garbage or recycling because they can explode when crushed. Take them to a free household battery recycling site instead.

Rechargeable batteries are lithium, nickel cadmium (NiCd), and nickel metal hydride (NiMH). These batteries are typically found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote-control toys.

Lead-acid batteries are not accepted in the garbage or recycling because they are hazardous. These are vehicle and marine batteries. Take them to one of the many vehicle battery recycling sites across the county.

Alkaline batteries can be safely put in your garbage. If you cannot tell what type of battery you have or are unsure, please bring it to a household battery recycling site.

 


bbq grill

BBQ Charcoal and Briquettes

After your grilling session, let coal and ashes cool for several days in your barbeque or in a metal container. To speed up cooling, carefully put coals into a metal container full of water. Store the metal container away from combustible materials. Once completely cool, place the coals in a bag and then into your garbage.

Some charcoal is soaked in flammable fuels. If you have unused flammable charcoal you don’t want, first try to give it away to a friend or neighbor. If you can't find someone to use it up, take it to the Kitsap County Household Hazardous Waste Facility or the annual one-day collection event for free disposal.

 


pool chemical

Pool Chemicals

Pool chemicals cause fires, toxic vapor releases, and injuries. Never put them in the garbage, recycling, or down a drain. Take them to the Kitsap County Household Hazardous Waste Facility or the annual one-day collection event for free disposal.


Hazardous Household Chemicals

In addition to pool chemicals, there are many other common household products labeled "flammable" or "combustible". These can ignite when they mix with other materials or are exposed to heat.

Do not put these in the garbage, recycling, or pour them down a drain. Take them to the Kitsap County Household Hazardous Waste Facility or the annual one-day collection event for free disposal.

 


flares

Flares

Take undischarged road flares to the Kitsap County Household Hazardous Waste Facility or the annual one-day collection event for free disposal.

Treat discharged flares like fireworks: soak them in a bucket of water for at least 15 minutes, wrap them in plastic, then put them in your garbage. Dump leftover water on gravel or grass – not down a sink or storm drain where it could pollute groundwater, streams, or Puget Sound.

Marine flares are more dangerous and are considered explosive, so please call the Washington State Patrol at 360-473-0300 to arrange for safe disposal.

*These instructions are for household items only. Businesses, non-profits, and organizations have separate handling and disposal requirements for hazardous wastes.