Lithium Battery Disposal Sparks Fire in Burlington Garbage Truck

Incident highlights dangers of improperly throwing away lithium-ion batteries

Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:42pm

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A fire broke out in a garbage truck in Burlington, Iowa after lithium batteries placed in regular trash ignited inside the vehicle. Officials say the incident serves as a serious reminder about the dangers of improper lithium battery disposal and the need for residents to use proper recycling methods.

Why it matters

Lithium batteries can be highly flammable if damaged or compressed, posing a serious risk of fires that endanger sanitation workers and the community. This incident highlights the importance of safe disposal practices to prevent such hazardous situations.

The details

The fire started on Tuesday when lithium batteries in the regular trash load ignited inside the garbage truck. Crews were able to quickly dump the load to prevent further damage, but the incident still required a hazardous cleanup in the street. Lithium batteries are commonly found in everyday electronics like cell phones, laptops, and power tools.

  • The fire occurred on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Des Moines County Regional Solid Waste Commission

The local organization that provides recycling resources for proper lithium battery disposal in the Burlington area.

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What’s next

Officials say they will be working to educate the community further on the importance of safe lithium battery disposal to prevent future incidents.

The takeaway

This incident serves as an important reminder for all residents to be mindful of how they dispose of lithium batteries, as improperly throwing them away can lead to dangerous fires that put sanitation workers and the community at risk.