By RK Shih / Staff
KAOHSIUNG โ The Kaohsiung City Government has issued a public warning on hazardous waste disposal after two garbage truck smoldering incidents were reported during recent year-end cleanup operations, highlighting increased safety risks as waste volumes rise ahead of the Lunar New Year.
According to the Kaohsiung City Environmental Protection Bureau, both incidents were caused by lithium batteries that had been improperly mixed with household trash. Sparks generated during the garbage compaction process led to smoldering inside the trucks. Prompt action by sanitation workers prevented the situations from escalating into fires.
The bureau said lithium batteries and power banks are especially dangerous when compressed, as pressure and friction can trigger ignition or explosions. Such incidents pose serious threats to sanitation workers and can damage garbage trucks and incineration facilities. The risks are amplified during year-end cleanups, when residents dispose of larger-than-usual amounts of waste.
To reduce hazards, the bureau urged residents to properly sort several categories of high-risk items. Lithium batteries and power banks should be handed to recycling trucks or returned through designated convenience store collection programs. Incense ash and joss paper residue must be fully extinguished with water and cooled before disposal. Aerosol cans, gas canisters, insecticides, and lighters must be completely emptied before recycling. Powdered foods such as flour or milk powder should be mixed with water prior to disposal, while fire extinguishers and gas cylinders should be returned to approved recycling channels.
Officials warned that improperly discarding hazardous items can result in fines ranging from NT$1,200 to NT$6,000 under the Waste Disposal Act, and urged residents to double-check waste sorting to ensure collection safety during the holiday period.
