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VIDEO: Garbage Truck Explosion in Whitehall Serves as Safety Warning

Two Local Waste employees had a dangerously close call on Wednesday when an oxygen tank—illegally placed in a trash can—caused an explosion inside their garbage truck. The incident occurred on the 4000 block of Elbern Avenue in Whitehall, sending debris flying and igniting a fire within the truck.

Surveillance footage released by the City of Whitehall shows the workers performing their routine trash pickup when the explosion occurred. One of the workers was standing directly in front of the truck at the time, while another was positioned to the side. Fortunately, neither was injured, and the fire was quickly extinguished before it could cause more damage.

Whitehall police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward by calling 614-237-6333.

You can view the video of the garbage truck explosion below.

The Dangers of Improper Waste Disposal

This alarming incident highlights the dangers of improperly disposing of hazardous materials. Oxygen tanks, like many other pressurized containers, should never be thrown away in standard trash collection. Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in a manner that could endanger sanitation workers and the public.

Hazardous materials, including pressurized tanks, motor oils, solvents, car batteries, and household chemicals, require special disposal methods. Many of these materials can be recycled or repurposed instead of ending up in landfills, where they pose serious environmental and safety risks.

To ensure safe disposal, residents can visit the Ohio EPA’s recycling directory, which helps locate proper disposal and recycling facilities based on city or zip code. The directory provides information on curbside recycling programs, drop-off locations, and other services to safely manage waste.

Think Before You Toss

To prevent dangerous situations like the one in Whitehall, residents should always check disposal guidelines for potentially hazardous items. Buying only the necessary amount of a product, using less-toxic alternatives, or donating unused supplies can help reduce hazardous waste. If disposal is necessary, always follow recommended guidelines to keep waste workers and the community safe.

The garbage truck explosion on Elbern Avenue could have had far more severe consequences, and it serves as a stark reminder of why proper waste disposal matters. If you have any hazardous materials at home, take a moment to dispose of them correctly. It’s a simple step that could save lives.