Prevent Electrical Damage to IT Assets
Fire reports were first received at Moody Fire Department in Alabama on Black Friday in November 2022, beginning a months-long battle against an underground landfill fire. Originating at the Environmental Landfill Inc, a “green waste” landfill, the fire has been smoldering for over three months but seems to be finally running out of life.
The Moody landfill fire began above ground but quickly moved underground after it reached the piles of debris layered beneath the ground. It has garnered many complaints from nearby residents due to the smoke billowing up from cracks in the ground.
Though the landfill is supposed only to accept green or vegetative waste, such as fallen tree limbs or yard debris, unauthorized waste, including scrap tires and appliances, was reported at one point. Most technology today is made with Lithium-Ion batteries, even in small appliances that may end up in landfills like Moody Landfill. LIBs are exceptionally dangerous because of their explosive nature and could start large fires like the one devouring Moody Landfill.
The Alabama fire is a prime example of why electronic waste should always be disposed of properly. There has been no confirmation on whether or not the Moody Landfill fire was caused by unauthorized solid waste, but if a normal fire can last over three months, imagine the damage a chemical fire could cause. Chemical fires are more difficult to extinguish and can reignite hours or even days after being extinguished. Another reason for caution is that LIBs can cause a chain reaction if they are near other lithium batteries.
For this reason, e-waste of any kind should never be disposed of in landfills, no matter the convenience. End-of-life facilities like HOBI partner with companies looking to retire old IT assets, including computers, tablets, phones, and even appliances, and ensure they are disposed of properly. Proper disposal mitigates potential fire risks at landfills that could be detrimental to the environment and surrounding residents’ health.
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, HOBI prioritizes client satisfaction and environmental safety. Partnering with an ITAD vendor will help prevent catastrophes such as landfill fires.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.
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