Rechargeable batteries and pressurized gas tanks erroneously placed in the trash or recycling for regular curbside pickups have been wreaking potentially dangerous havoc on Fairfax County’s waste management operations.
Just last week, some trash collection workers were injured when a compacted gas container exploded, according to the county’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES).
“Throwing away pressurized tanks in a rear‑load trash truck is extremely hazardous,” Shonpaul Truss, who oversees the county’s waste collection service, said. “When compacted, these tanks can rupture or explode, creating a serious risk of injury, equipment damage, or fire.”
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries found in electronic devices from cell phones and laptops to electric toothbrushes, wireless headphones, e-bikes and vapes have also emerged as a serious fire risk.
While lithium-ion batteries are an efficient source of power, they are prone to overheating and can spark fires if damaged or defective, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department recently responded to the I-66 Transfer Station (4618 West Ox Road) to extinguish a fire ignited by a battery improperly thrown in the trash, DPWES said.
“Trash unloaded on the I-66 Transfer Station Complex’s tipping floor has a lot of flammable material, like paper products and waste wood,” said Anthony Tindall, director of sustainability for the department’s Solid Waste Management Program. “Improperly disposed of lithium-ion batteries and propane tanks are a threat to the safety of the building and to our employees.”
In an advisory issued on Wednesday (Sept. 9), DPWES urged community members to be careful about what they put in their household trash and recycling bins, noting that the damage caused by gas or battery-caused fires and explosions can be costly as well as hazardous.
According to the county:
Residents must bring pressurized gas canisters to designated disposal facilities. Fairfax County’s I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex can accept some materials, including helium tanks under 20 pounds, nitrogen cartridges, and camping-size propane canisters. Residents should check the Household Hazardous Waste page for all accepted materials. Items that County facilities cannot accept, like refrigerant and oxygen tanks, should be returned to the supplier or equipment provider.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are a big fire risk, and they’re found everywhere- cell phones, laptops, power tools, electric toothbrushes, wireless headphones, rechargeable toys, portable chargers, e-bikes, vapes, and even musical greeting cards. If the battery label reads “Alkaline” or “Carbon Zinc,” they can be placed in household trash. Any other battery type must be taken to a special drop-off location. To find a battery drop off near you, visit locator.batterynetwork.org. Residents also can recycle batteries at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex Household Hazardous Waste areas. If you don’t know the battery type or cannot remove the battery from the item, bring them to the County’s household hazardous waste staff.
Businesses must return compressed air cylinders to the supplier or equipment provider. They should work with a hazardous waste company to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries.
Household hazardous waste and electronic waste are accepted at the I-66 Transfer Station six days a week, with the exception of a closure on Wednesdays, while the I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 Furnace Road) in Lorton accepts those materials on Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
