Camden Officials Back Bill to Prevent Scrap Yard Fires

Under the bill, scrap metal operators would be required to verify whether materials they receive contain lithium-ion or propulsion batteries.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): In response to growing public safety and environmental concerns following the massive fire at a Camden scrapyard earlier this year, the New Jersey Assembly last week passed A5533, sponsored by Assemblyman William F. Moen Jr. The bill would establish critical standards for the receipt and purchase of scrap metal that contains lithium-ion or propulsion batteries. These batteries, often found in electric vehicles, can be highly flammable when improperly stored or handled.

“Camden residents watched toxic smoke fill the air for days because dangerous materials were not properly managed,” said Assemblyman Moen (D-Camden, Gloucester). “This bill is a commonsense solution that ensures scrapyards take responsibility and follow clear safety standards when dealing with high-risk battery components. We owe it to our communities to prevent future disasters like this one.”

Under the bill, scrap metal operators would be required to verify whether materials they receive contain lithium-ion or propulsion batteries. Each transaction would need to be documented to specify the presence or absence of these batteries and comply with safe storage and handling procedures.

Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. has spoken out about the multiple blazes that have broken out at an industrial site in Camden City that have displaced residents and undermined the quality of life in several surrounding neighborhoods.

“I applaud this thoughtful piece of public policy that was crafted by Assemblyman Moen and was passed with bipartisan support in the Assembly. This is what is supposed to happen in Trenton, our legislators should be identifying deficits and resolving them making our combined communities a safer place to live, work and raise a family,” said Commissioner Director Cappelli. “This bill makes the scrap metal industry more accountable to their neighbors and ultimately cleans up the recycling process by eliminating this significant liability.” 

The legislation was introduced in the wake of the large fire that erupted at a Camden scrapyard in early 2025, which was suspected to have been caused or worsened by the presence of improperly stored battery materials. Also sponsored by Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, A5533 reflects growing statewide efforts to modernize scrap yard safety protocols in line with the increasing use of electric vehicles and rechargeable battery systems.

 Courtesy: www.thesunpapers.com