Hillsborough County’s ( That is Tampa , Florida) solid waste department began tracking an uptick in garbage fires in 2023, when seven trucks erupted in flames and burned to a crisp.
The next year, that number climbed to 10 fires. And last year, 13 trucks went up in thick, chemical smoke.
In almost every case fire marshals have investigated, one tiny culprit was to blame: rechargeable batteries. They’re found in phones and laptops, lawnmowers and cars, disposable vapes and toothbrushes — even birthday cards that sing.
When drivers suspect they’re carrying a “hot load,” they have to move quickly to find an unpopulated spot where they can dump the smoldering heap. Sometimes it’s a parking lot. Other times, it’s the side of the highway. In a best-case scenario, the trash is dumped before flames consume the truck.
Hillsborough does not own a fleet of garbage collection trucks and instead contracts out to three companies, according to the county. Trucks can cost businesses up to $500,000 each.
Across Florida, 80% of garbage truck fires are started by rechargeable batteries, said Keyna Cory, a lobbyist for the National Waste and Recycling Association’s state chapter. Cory said the total number of garbage truck fires across the state is unknown, but she said one company alone had more than 170 last year.