Landfill's Universal Waste Shed Temporarily Closed Following Fire

The Universal Waste Shed will be temporarily closed until further notice following a fire that broke out late Monday afternoon. The town announced the closure in a release Tuesday morning, referring to it as "unforeseen circumstances."

"The universal waste shed at the landfill is temporarily closed due to unforeseen circumstances," the town said. "We are working to resolve the issue and will update the community once it is resolved."

Nantucket Fire Department deputy fire chief Nick Esposito told the Current they responded to the landfill at 188 Madaket Road late Monday afternoon for a reported fire at the transfer station. Upon arrival, NFD members found a small fire in the Universal Waste Shed, which is right next to Take It Or Leave It (TIOLI).

"The bulk of the fire was knocked down by transfer station employees utilizing fire extinguishers prior to our arrival," Esposito said. "Members operating Engine 7 extinguished the remaining fire and hot spots with approximately 100 gallons of water. Eleven members in two engines and command staff vehicles responded to this fire while additional members reported to the station for call back and responded to other emergencies in town. Fire damage was held to the shed with no fire extending to other structures or areas."

The town is asking residents not to bring universal waste items - such as batteries, mercury-containing equipment, some smoke detectors, and lamps - to the facility in the meantime and will provide an update in the future once it is reopened.