It could have been a lot worse.
That was the message one day after an explosion occurred at Waukesha County’s Materials Recycling Facility Thursday.
It occurred after a 1-lb. propane cylinder in the baler at the facility was compacted. The facility is located at 220 S. Prairie Ave. in Waukesha.
A press release sent out Friday said the damage was limited.
“A fast response by the fire department and quick thinking by recycling facility staff minimized the damage,” the release said. “The resulting fire was quickly controlled and no damage was done to the baler.”
The release added that no one was harmed.
“We are lucky no one was injured and that the fire did not spread to paper bales,” Waukesha County Solid Waste Supervisor Karen Fiedler said. “We are thankful the MRF staff and city fire department helped avert a very dangerous and costly situation.”
Jim Lewis, the plant manager for ReCommunity and the operator of the facility, explained the situation and had a warning to people.
“Our sorters are constantly watching the materials on the sorting line to capture these dangerous items,” Lewis said. “However, one slipped through. We had already pulled three of the small propane cylinders from the processing line.
“We encourage people in the community to recycle as much as possible, but we also encourage a safe working environment for our employees so they can go home to their families every night unharmed. We ask residents to be careful not to place materials like propane cylinders and other dangerous items into the recycling.”