EMR Begins Phased Reopening of Camden Facility with FireSMART

Metal Recycling News | 2026-07-14 07:15:30 | By Paul Ploumis

The program focuses on five key areas—Source, Manage, Assess, Respond, and Train—covering every stage of the recycling process.

Summary

Phased reopening underway: EMR resumed limited operations at its Waterfront South recycling facility in Camden, New Jersey, on July 13, with full operations expected by July 17.
FireSMART safety framework launched: The company introduced its FireSMART program, focusing on Source, Manage, Assess, Respond, and Train to reduce fire risks, especially those associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Enhanced fire prevention measures: EMR has upgraded the site with fire breaks, smaller stockpiles, thermal scanners, 24/7 fire monitoring, thermal imaging cameras, automated water cannons, and expanded employee training.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): EMR has started the phased reopening of its Waterfront South recycling facility in Camden, New Jersey, following a series of fires that led to operational disruptions. The company said the site resumed limited operations on July 13 and is expected to return to full capacity by July 17.

As part of the reopening, EMR has introduced a new safety initiative called FireSMART, a comprehensive operating framework designed to reduce fire risks, particularly those linked to lithium-ion batteries.

The program focuses on five key areas—Source, Manage, Assess, Respond, and Train—covering every stage of the recycling process.

Camden officials call for EMR Recycling to be shut down after another fire

The company has also reconfigured the Camden site to improve fire prevention. The newly implemented measures include dedicated material handling zones separated by fire breaks, reduced stockpile sizes, enhanced screening of incoming scrap using trained personnel and thermal scanners, and revised processing schedules to limit the buildup of unprocessed material.

The framework also introduces continuous monitoring through a 24/7 fire watch, thermal imaging cameras, automated water cannons, and updated emergency response procedures. Employees will beprovided regular training on identifying and handling lithium-ion battery risks.