A gas canister exploded inside a Fairfax County trash truck in early September, injuring collection workers. The county is now warning Vienna-area residents to stop putting batteries and pressurized containers in curbside bins.

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) issued an advisory on Wednesday, Sept. 9, after the explosion and a separate fire at the I-66 Transfer Station on West Ox Road. Firefighters were called to the transfer station to put out a blaze caused by a lithium-ion battery thrown in the trash, the department said. The warning covers all Fairfax County curbside collection, including Vienna.

"Throwing away pressurized tanks in a rear-load trash truck is extremely hazardous," said Shonpaul Truss, who oversees the county's waste collection service. "When compacted, these tanks can rupture or explode, creating a serious risk of injury, equipment damage, or fire."

No injury count was released.

Anthony Tindall, director of sustainability for DPWES's Solid Waste Management Program, said trash on the transfer station's tipping floor contains flammable material such as paper products and waste wood, FFXnow reported. Improperly discarded batteries and propane tanks threaten both the building and employees, Tindall said.

Lithium-ion batteries power everyday items including cell phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, vapes and musical greeting cards. The National Fire Protection Association says the batteries can overheat and spark fires if damaged or defective. On April 28, a lithium-ion battery discharge caused a fire at a strip shopping center in the 7200 block of Arlington Boulevard in West Falls Church, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Where to drop off batteries and gas canisters

Only batteries labeled "Alkaline" or "Carbon Zinc" may go in household trash. All other types must be taken to a drop-off site. Residents can find one at locator.batterynetwork.org or bring batteries to the I-66 Transfer Station (4618 West Ox Road) or the I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 Furnace Road, Lorton).

The I-66 station accepts household hazardous waste six days a week, closed Wednesdays. The I-95 complex takes hazardous waste on Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Small pressurized containers, including helium tanks under 20 pounds, nitrogen cartridges and camping-size propane canisters, can go to either facility. Refrigerant and oxygen tanks must be returned to the supplier.

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department's annual open house on Saturday, Oct. 10, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year's Fire Prevention Week theme is "Charge Into Fire Safety," focused on lithium-ion battery safety.