Debris from equipment causes a fire at a Clearwater scrap recycling company

CLEARWATER, Fla. – A fire broke out at a Clearwater scrap recycling facility Friday afternoon.

Clearwater Fire & Rescue and nearby agencies are currently on scene at Trademark Metals Recycling on Gentry Drive. The incident occurred around 12:12 p.m

Public safety authorities said the fire was caused by equipment debris from recent hurricanes. They added that the fire would burn “for a long time.”

The services reminded residents that hazardous materials should be disposed of appropriately. Residents may bring hazardous chemicals and other items to the Pinellas County Solid Waste Landfill for proper recycling and disposal. Residents can drop off materials at the Household Hazardous Waste Center at 2855 109th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg.

Large lithium-ion batteries, such as car batteries, lawn mower batteries, and electric bike batteries damaged by the storm, should be disposed of at a private recycling company.

The county also hosts a collection of household chemicals on select Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 29582 US 19 N., Clearwater.