News Summary
A dumpster truck fire in the Palmetto Shores neighborhood of Chapin was caused by the improper disposal of a lithium battery. The fire, attributed to spontaneous combustion, prompted a rapid response from emergency crews, and cleanup took approximately 2.5 hours. Fortunately, there were no injuries or property damage reported. Local officials are emphasizing the importance of proper hazardous material disposal to prevent future incidents.
Chapin, S.C. – A dumpster truck caught fire in the Palmetto Shores neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon due to the improper disposal of a lithium battery. The incident occurred around 1:15 PM, prompting emergency crews to respond and extinguish the flames. Cleanup following the fire took approximately 2.5 hours, but fortunately, there were no reported injuries or property damage.
The fire was attributed to spontaneous combustion caused by the reactive chemicals within the lithium battery, which interacted with heat and cardboard materials in the dumpster. Tyrane Scott, an employee of Capital Waste Services, explained that these factors combined can lead to dangerous situations. The incident has raised serious concerns about the awareness and practices of residents regarding waste disposal protocols.
In light of the fire, public officials are stressing the importance of proper disposal methods for hazardous materials. Items that should never be discarded in regular trash include solvent-containing glue, fire extinguishers, rechargeable batteries, lighter fluid, and button batteries. These materials can create hazardous conditions and cause fires, as demonstrated by Tuesday’s incident.
Residents of the Palmetto Shores neighborhood have expressed their relief that the situation did not escalate into a larger disaster. The community is rallying around the need for better education and awareness about safe trash disposal practices. Witnesses emphasized the significance of understanding how to dispose of hazardous items appropriately to prevent future occurrences.
To assist residents in proper disposal, the Lexington County Solid Waste Management has scheduled multiple hazardous waste drop-off days throughout the year. Residents can take their hazardous items to the Republic Services Collection Center at 1741 Calks Ferry Road in Lexington on the following dates: July 18, July 19, August 22, August 23, September 12, and September 13.
As Capital Waste Services conducts its own internal review of the incident, it is clear that community education regarding waste disposal is urgently needed. Proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials can prevent dangerous situations and fire hazards in the future. The local authorities encourage all residents to take these warnings seriously and to participate in the hazardous waste drop-off events to ensure a safer environment for the entire community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WIS News: Should You Throw Away Your Batteries?
- WIS News Video: Should You Throw Away Your Batteries?
- WIS News: Dumpster Truck Fire in Chapin Neighborhood
- The State: Local News Article
- WLTX: How to Dispose Household Hazardous Waste Safely
- Wikipedia: Waste Management
- Google Search: Hazardous Waste Disposal
- Google Scholar: Hazardous Waste Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Waste Management
- Google News: Hazardous Waste Disposal
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
