Gilbert asks residents help in preventing garbage truck fires

Gilbert officials say the town has recorded its fourth garbage truck fire of the year, underscoring the risk posed by hazardous materials in household trash.

Town officials warn that items such as batteries, leftover chemicals and other flammable materials can ignite when compacted inside sanitation trucks, endangering drivers and equipment.

Residents are urged to keep the following items out of trash bins:

Batteries of any type;

Pool chemicals;

Household cleaners;

Paint;

Automotive fluids;

Propane tanks;

Other hazardous materials.

These items should be taken to Gilbert’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility, where staff are trained to handle materials that could cause fires, explosions or contamination. A full list of accepted items, along with the facility’s address and hours, is