The Swampscott Fire Department confirmed that a Republic Services truck caught fire at Vinnin Square.

“It was a little smoldering stuff,” Fire Cpt. Michael LeBlanc told the Swampscott Tides.

Emergency crews were on the scene. The trash seemingly was ejected into the Marshall’s parking lot.

“It’s already gone,” LeBlanc said. “They picked it up right away.”

Republic Services told the Swampscott Tides that “collection truck fires are commonly caused by improperly discarded items, such as lithium-ion batteries, hot ashes or fireworks.”

“To help prevent these incidents, batteries should never be placed in recycling or waste containers,” the media relations department wrote, adding that batteries should be taken to designated recycling drop-off locations. “Allow BBQ or fireplace ashes and fireworks remnants to cool completely, then dampen the ashes to reduce dust and ensure any remaining embers are fully extinguished before disposal.”

Swampscott has recently updated its contract with Republic Services. Trash and recycling are now automated.

Automated collection has become the industry standard for waste and recycling services. It allows the hauler to collect trash and recycling with a mechanical arm that lifts and empties the bins. 

“In our case, for every month that we kept it manual for a year, it was going to be across the board $475,000 to $480,000 more,” Town Administrator Nick Connors previously said. “It’s just not something that’s sustainable, and that’s part of why we’re making this transition.”.

Updated September 17 at 9 a.m. with information from the Fire Department

Updated September 17 at 3:15 p.m. with information from Republic Services.