Goodyear's Tech Halts Garbage Truck Fires

Goodyear Addresses Garbage Truck Fires with Innovative Safety Measures

In response to a recent increase in garbage truck fires, the city of Goodyear has introduced a new safety initiative that involves the use of heat-detecting cameras inside its waste collection vehicles. This innovative approach aims to prevent damage to both the trucks and the surrounding community by identifying potential fire hazards early.

The fires, many of which have been linked to improperly disposed lithium batteries, have raised significant concerns for the city’s public works department. According to Gus Plascencia, a representative from the Goodyear Public Works Department, the city has experienced five truck fires this year. Three of these incidents required extensive repairs, while the other two were quickly contained by city staff before they escalated into major fires.

These incidents not only pose a risk to public safety but also come with substantial financial costs. Each truck involved in a fire can cost the city at least $150,000 to repair. The primary cause of these fires is often related to lithium-ion batteries, which can ignite when punctured by the pressure or equipment within the truck.

To address this growing issue, Goodyear has taken a proactive step by installing heat-detecting cameras inside its garbage trucks. These cameras are designed to monitor for unusual heat sources. If the temperature inside the truck reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit, an alarm is triggered, alerting the driver to the potential danger.

How the New System Works

The system, referred to by Plascencia as a "mobile fire alarm," allows drivers to take immediate action if a heat source is detected. Upon receiving the alarm, the driver can then eject the load and call for assistance from the fire department. This early intervention helps prevent the fire from spreading and damaging the truck, as well as reducing the risk to the community and the operators themselves.

Plascencia emphasized that this technology is unique to Goodyear’s fleet and represents a significant advancement in vehicle safety. By integrating heat detection into the garbage trucks, the city is taking a crucial step toward protecting its workers and infrastructure.

What Residents Can Do

While the city continues to implement new safety measures, residents are encouraged to play their part in preventing these incidents. Proper disposal of lithium batteries is essential to reduce the risk of fires in waste collection vehicles.

Residents should check local city and town guidelines for information on how to safely dispose of these batteries. Many communities offer specific programs or drop-off locations for hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries. It is important for individuals to follow these guidelines to help ensure the safety of both the environment and the people who work to keep the city clean.

By working together, the city of Goodyear and its residents can help prevent future incidents and protect the community from the dangers associated with improper battery disposal.