MEDORA– As Independence Day celebrations approach, Rumpke Waste & Recycling is urging residents to exercise caution and properly dispose of fireworks and other potentially flammable materials to prevent dangerous fires.
“Annually, we see an increase in container and truck fires in the days and weeks following the Independence Day holiday,” stated Todd Wilson, Rumpke’s region safety manager. “If not properly handled, fireworks, pool chemicals, and charcoal embers can cause dangerous situations for our employees, facilities, and the motoring public.”
To ensure safety during holiday clean-up, Rumpke offers the following essential tips:
- Used fireworks, charcoal embers, and ash must be thoroughly soaked in water before being placed in trash bins. This crucial step prevents reignition.
- Propane tanks should never be put in trash or recycling containers. Instead, residents are advised to return empty containers to stores for refilling.
- Pool chemicals are also prohibited from being placed in trash or recycling bins. For proper disposal options, residents should contact their local solid waste district.
In addition to safety precautions for hazardous materials, Rumpke also reminds customers about the recyclability of standard party supplies.
“Rumpke continues to enhance our recycling program and allow for more common household items to be recycled,” said Hillary Ladig, Rumpke’s communications coordinator. “For holiday parties, this would include your bottles, jugs, tubs, boxes, cans, and many types of cups.”
For comprehensive information on Rumpke’s trash and recycling guidelines, as well as their holiday collection schedule, residents can visit Rumpke.com.
