DAYTON, Ohio — Rumpke Waste & Recycling is urging residents to take precautions when disposing of Independence Day party materials to prevent fires in bins, dumpsters, and trucks, the company announced.
Randy Broadright, Rumpke’s Area Safety Manager, reported a surge in fire incidents involving waste collection equipment in the days and weeks following July Fourth. “If not properly handled, fireworks, pool chemicals, lithium-ion batteries, and charcoal embers can cause dangerous situations for our employees, facilities, and the motoring public,” Broadright said.
Rumpke provided safety tips for post-holiday cleanup: soak spent fireworks, charcoal embers, and ash in water before disposal to prevent reignition; return empty propane tanks to stores or gas stations for refilling; and contact local solid waste districts for proper disposal of pool chemicals and lithium-ion batteries, which cannot be placed in trash or recycling bins.
Jeff Meyers, Rumpke’s Communications Manager, highlighted the company’s expanded recycling program, noting that many party supplies, including bottles, jugs, tubs, cans, paper, and clear plastic cups, can be recycled. “Rumpke continues to enhance our recycling program and allow for more common household items to be recycled,” Meyers said.
Customers can check Rumpke’s website, www.rumpke.com, for holiday schedule updates to confirm if their waste collection service will be affected by Independence Day.