Fire Extinguished at Rumpke Sanitary Landfill
A fire was reported on Sunday, Sept. 14 around 6:30 p.m. at Rumpke Sanitary Landfill in Colerain Township Landfill. With assistance from the Colerain Township Fire Department as well as mutual aid from Crosby Township, Riley Township, Ross Township and Bright, Ind., fire departments, the fire was extinguished shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday. All employees were accounted for and no injures were reported.
The fire started in the working face (an area where trash is being placed) of the landfill. The cause remains unknown but likely caused by a flammable item mistakenly placed in the waste stream. A variety of items such as fireworks, charcoal, propane tanks and other electronics with lithium-ion batteries can combust in trash collection trucks, recycling centers or landfills, Rumpke recommends checking with your local solid waste district for appropriate disposal options when disposing of batteries, electronics, chemicals and propane tanks to help avoid the risk of fire.
While Colerain Township residents were advised during the fire to close their windows, the Colerain Township Fire Department air monitoring units confirmed that there was no adverse air quality.
Rumpke has taken necessary steps to notify the Hamilton County General Health District and the Ohio EPA. The Rumpke team is currently examining the landfill liner system to determine if any of the liners need replaced or repaired.
The landfill is open and continues to operate. No service interruptions are expected.
About Rumpke Sanitary Landfill
Address: 3800 Struble Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45251
Type of material accepted: The site is permitted to receive municipal solid waste (trash from homes and businesses) and construction and demolition debris. Hazardous waste is not permitted at the site. To learn how to properly dispose of household hazardous waste, please contact you local solid waste district. To find a lithium-ion battery drop off location near you, please visit batterysafetynow.org/
Facility hours: While the site has limited public access, the landfill is open 24 hours per day/seven days per week.
Employees: Rumpke employs more than 1,500 people in greater Cincinnati.