MAC wants to make sure that your worksite doesn’t turn into a dumpster fire… literally. Dumpster fires can spread quickly, causing property damage, harm to the environment, and safety risks. But there are several things that you can take to prevent these fires from happening.
1. Learn the Common Causes of Dumpster Fires
- Improper disposal of flammable or hazardous materials: things like fire extinguishers can explode under pressure if punctured or exposed to high temperatures. So, check regulations to make sure that your dumpster doesn’t turn into a firework show when you least expect it.
- Discarded smoking materials: cigarette butts or matches can smolder and ignite waste
- Hot ashes and coals: ashes and coals can retain heat long after being throw out
- Arson or vandalism: unattended dumpsters are easy targets for people looking start fires intentionally
- Chemical reactions: certain chemical can create reactions that lead to ignition when mixed with other waste materials
2. Use Proper Waste Containers
- Go for metal dumpsters instead of plastic ones because metal is more resistant to heat (all MAC dumpsters are made of metal!), nobody wants to see a plastic puddle of waste.
- Make sure that dumpsters have secure, non-combustible lids to limit exposure to external ignition sources (you don’t need your waste exposed for everyone to see anyways!)
3. Practice Safe Waste Disposal
- Make clear guidelines for disposing of flammable or hazardous materials
- Provide designated disposal bins for items like oily rags, batteries, and chemicals
- Make sure employees or residents are educated on what materials should not be thrown into general waste containers
4. Keep Dumpsters Away from Buildings and Structures
- Position dumpsters at least 10-15 feet away from buildings, fences, overhangs to reduce the risk of a fire spreading, if one were to happen
- Avoid placing dumpsters near dry vegetation, wooden areas, or really anything that could be a fire hazard and ruin your dumpster
5. Properly Handle Hot Materials
- Allow ashes and coals to cool completely before disposal
- Avoid disposing of hot machine parts or welding materials in dumpsters
- Never mix hot ashes or embers with paper, cardboard, or anything flammable
- Hot things have a temper, and your dumpster can’t handle that.
6. Enforce No Smoking Policies
- Clearly mark dumpsters with “No Smoking” to avoid people discarding lit cigarettes in these dumpsters
- See that there are smoking areas with disposal bins for cigarette butts
- Don’t smoke near dumpsters because even a small ember can ignite the waste
7. Be Prepared with Fire Prevention Equipment
- Keep fire extinguishers available near the waste disposal areas
- If needed or possible, you can install heat sensors in high-risk areas
- You can even have the fire department on speed dial, it doesn’t hurt to have some people with hoses nearby.
By learning and practicing these safety measures, people can reduce the risk of dumpster fires and promote a safer waste disposal environment. At MAC, we make sure that safety and efficiency in waste management is our priority. We can teach you more about our durable, fire-resistant waste containers designed to make your waste disposal cool, literally and figuratively.mlined, cost-effective, and eco-friendly operation. Contact us today, we promise we know a thing or two about dumpsters.
