'ELE‘ELE – Two county refuse collectors reported feeling lightheaded and were taken to Kaua'i Veterans Memorial Hospital this morning after a small explosion occurred and a white cloud appeared while their load of household trash was being compressed.

The men were treated and released and then sent home. The driver was unaffected.

The refuse crew was on their morning route picking up household trash in 'Ele'ele at around 4:55 am when the incident occurred.

Engine 6, a Rescue HAZMAT team, and state Department of Health (DOH) personnel responded to the scene.

The Rescue HAZMAT team placed absorbent materials on the hazardous substance, which had spilled onto the ground.

After conducting a test, it was determined that the substance was very acidic.

The Rescue HAZMAT team then turned the incident over to DOH personnel to manage the cleanup. The county’s Roads Division assisted DOH with the cleanup.

The load of trash was taken to the Kekaha Landfill for disposal after it was deemed safe to do so.

For information on how to properly dispose of household hazardous waste, contact the County Recycling Office at 808-241-4841.