Discarded batteries cause fires in two separate Hualien trash trucks

Discarded batteries cause fires in two separate Hualien trash trucks

2026-10-02

Two garbage truck fires broke out on the same day in Hualien’s Ji’an Township, both caused by lithium batteries thrown away by residents that ignited under pressure. Electronics that contain lithium batteries like power banks cannot be thrown away with the regular trash. Before they’re recycled, they must be prepared and handed over separately to a sanitation worker—never mixed in with other recyclables—to prevent an accident like the one seen in Ji’an.

White smoke billows from the back of a trash truck as it rushes to the lot in front of a fire station. The driver dumps all the trash onto the ground and works with firefighters to spray the smoking pile down with a firehose.

These were the culprits: charred lithium batteries and gas canisters. Items like these easily explode or ignite when crushed in a trash compactor. While out on a collection, sanitation workers in Hualien’s Ji’an Township noticed smoke rising from the back of their truck and immediately drove to a nearby fire station for help. After it was extinguished, they resumed collection. But then later that same day, another truck along the same route encountered another battery fire and had to go to the same exact fire station.

Chen Sheng-feng
Renli fire station chief
Duty firefighters at our station immediately deployed hoses to help cool down the smoking items. After confirming there was no further danger, they helped clear the area.

Two very similar fires happened on the same day! But fortunately, thanks to the professional response, both were quickly extinguished. Small appliances and electronics like power banks and pressurized gas canisters shouldn’t be thrown away carelessly.

Chou Tse-sheng
Ji’an Township sanitation chief
Since pressurized gas canisters are dangerous, we encourage people to avoid puncturing them yourself. Please separate them from other recyclables, and hand them over directly to our crew so we can dispose of them properly.

Gas canisters should be bagged separately, insulated, labeled clearly, and handed over directly to a sanitation worker. For lithium batteries, the ports and ends should be covered with nonconductive tape first. Proper waste management not only protects the environment, but also keeps sanitation workers safe.

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