Lithium-ion batteries suspected in recent fires inside garbage trucks in San Jose

Lithium-ion batteries are believed to be responsible for a series of recent fires inside garbage trucks in San Jose.

The San Jose Fire Department said there have been four garbage truck fires in the last month alone, with the latest occurring on Friday.

“We know when lithium batteries are crushed or damaged, they can release sparks which can ignite materials around them, which then when they’re placed in the collection trucks can ignite the materials and cause fires,” Integrated Waste Management Deputy Director Judy Erlandson said.

When a fire breaks out in a garbage truck, the driver has to dump the debris onto the street so firefighters can extinguish the blaze.

San Jose leaders said no battery of any kind should ever go into a garbage or recycling bin. The Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program safely recycles lithium-ion batteries for residents who make an appointment.