Recycling Truck Catches Fire Along South Jersey Highway: Officials

PITMAN, NJ — A Haddonfield recycling truck caught fire on Monday while on the way to the Omni Recycling Plant in Pitman, the Haddonfield Department of Public Works said.

The driver saw smoke while traveling along Route 42 and pulled over near the exit for Route 55.

A New Jersey State Police Trooper aided at the scene as the fire continued to spread. The driver was not hurt.

Officials believe that the flames started in the batch of items the truck was carrying, which included paper and plastic.

While a definite cause may not be known, authorities listed lithium batteries as a potential source.

The truck will be broken down and taken away for disposal.

Lithium batteries are not able to be thrown away in a recycling or trash can, as they may rupture and cause a fire.

The Borough of Haddonfield's website provides more information on safe disposal and what products contain the batteries.

A "Hazardous Waste Recycling Event" that accepts lithium batteries is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 17 in Lindenwold.

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