On Wednesday, October 21, during heavy trash collection in Bridgeland, a Republic Services crew noticed smoke coming from their truck. Restricted items and chemicals that had been placed in the trash combined inside the truck and started a fire. Thanks to quick action by the crew and firefighters, the fire was put out. No one was hurt, and the truck had no significant damage.
The Republic Services crew works to control the burning load after dumping it onto the street.
What Happened
Quick thinking by the crew: The Republic Services crew “hot dumped” the load onto the street to keep the fire from damaging the truck.
Fast response by firefighters: Firefighters from the Cy-Fair Fire Department responded and put out the fire with water and foam.
Thank you to the Republic Services crew and the firefighters for their quick and professional response.
Firefighters spray water into the truck’s hopper.
Why These Items Are Dangerous
- Compaction: Trash trucks compress every load. That creates heat, pressure and sparks that can ignite batteries, fuel and aerosol cans.
- Chemical reactions: Some chemicals react when they mix. For example, bleach and ammonia should never be combined.
- Common culprits: Lithium-ion batteries (including vapes and power tools), aerosol cans, gasoline, oil and fuels, paints and solvents, propane canisters, and household and pool chemicals.
The same rules apply to recycling carts.
A firefighter works from a ladder at the side of the Republic Services truck.
Dispose of Them Safely This Saturday
The Bridgeland MUD Hazardous Waste Disposal Day is an easy way to get rid of these items safely.
- When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Where: Josey Lake Park
- Who: Bridgeland residents only. No commercial quantities.
- How: Bring chemicals in their original labeled containers. Motor oil and cooking oil may be brought in screw-top containers.
- Accepted items: AC units, refrigerators and ice makers; aerosol cans; batteries of all types; cell phones and chargers; all electronics; cooking oils and fuels; household cleaners; household appliances; lawn and garden chemicals and weed killers; mercury bulbs and devices; metal scraps; motor oils, lubricants and fluids; non-PCB ballasts and capacitors; paints; pesticides and herbicides; pool chemicals; propane cylinders and helium/oxygen tanks; toner and ink cartridges; regular vehicle tires; washers and dryers; and wires and cables.
With the hopper raised, a firefighter hoses down the load.
After the Event
Residents can also use the Harris County Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 6900 Hahl Rd., Houston, TX 77040, by appointment. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The facility is free for eligible Harris County residents.
The facility is located near Hwy 290 and Gessner. Call 346-286-4299 (English) or 346-286-4296 (Spanish), email HHW@harriscountytx.gov, or visit the Harris County Household Hazardous Waste page (https://oce.harriscountytx.gov/Services/Household-Hazardous-Waste). Schedule an appointment at https://oce.harriscountytx.gov/Services/Household-Hazardous-Waste/Appointment-for-HHW-Facility.
The foam-covered pile on the street after the fire was put out.
What You Can Do
- Keep it out of the cart: Never put batteries, chemicals, fuels, paints, propane or aerosol cans in trash or recycling carts.
- Store it safely: Keep items in their original containers until you can drop them off.
- Drop it off: Bring them to Hazardous Waste Disposal Day on October 24 or to the Harris County facility.
- Stay safe: If you see smoke or fire in a cart or truck, keep your distance and call 911.
Questions?
- Trash and recycling: Contact Republic Services at 281-446-2030.
- District questions: Visit the district’s Contact Us page.