DPW Trash Collection Workers Exposed to Toxic Vapors

Monday, August 27, 2012

Residents urged to dispose properly of household hazardous waste at monthly drop-off.

(Washington, DC) A Department of Public Works trash collection crew was exposed to a toxic vapor today while working in Northeast Washington. The three-person crew was decontaminated on the scene by the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Although, two of the workers were transported to the hospital for additional treatment, the injuries they sustained were not life-threatening.

“This was a preventable incident that has harmed three valuable employees,” said DPW Director William O. Howland Jr. “We urge District residents to bring their household hazardous waste to our monthly drop-off, held the first Saturday of each month, so that our crews, the residents’ families and the general public are not exposed to dangerous substances.”

The next Household Hazardous Waste/E-cycling/Personal Document Shredding event is Saturday, September 1 at the Ft. Totten Transfer Station. Residents may bring items such as pesticides, batteries and cleaning fluids to Ft. Totten between 8 am and 3 pm.

Directions to Ft. Totten: Travel east on Irving Street, NW, turn left on Michigan Avenue, turn left on John F. McCormack Drive, NE and continue to the end of the street.