On January 13, 2026, the LaGrange Fire Department responded to a garbage truck with its contents on fire at 10:45 am.  Initial units arrived on scene at 10:51 am and after quickly sizing up the incident requested the Dutchess County Hazardous Response Team, aka “the HazMat Team” responded.  As crews began to extinguish and wet down the recyclable materials ‘pops’ could be heard.  In coordination with the Dutchess County Haz-Mat, refuse company and Brandl’s Towing, the pile of recyclable material was sorted through.   In the sorting and wetting down of the pile multiple lithium-ion batteries were found, appropriately removed, contained and disposed of in a over-pack method to prevent re-ignition.  The incident was safely and resolved fully by 3:01 pm.  Thanks and appreciation to those members of the Dutchess County HazMat Team, personnel of the refuse company, Brandl’s Towing and Fire Department members.

This is an important reminder: In New York State, it is illegal to throw lithium-ion batteries in the garbage.

Find a safe disposal location near you at Call2Recycle.com

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tips:

• Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash

• Do not keep damaged or swollen batteries in your home

• Keep batteries away from heat and direct sunlight

• Use only the correct charger for your device

• If a battery is overheating or damaged, call 911

• Recycle old or unwanted batteries properly