New Jersey files lawsuit against Camden metal recycling facility for multiple hazardous fire incidents.
In a significant legal action, New Jersey officials have initiated a lawsuit against EMR, a prominent international scrap metal recycler, alleging a pattern of hazardous and dangerous fires at its facilities, particularly in Camden. The suit comes in the wake of a sprawling four-alarm fire that erupted nearly a year ago at EMR’s Front Street scrapyard, producing thick, dark smoke that lingered over the area and was visible from miles away. This incident resulted in a voluntary evacuation order for approximately 100 families living nearby due to safety concerns.
In August, following the February 2025 fire that was caused by a lithium-ion battery igniting during the recycling process, EMR consented to pay .7 million to support improvements in Camden’s Waterfront South neighborhood. Despite this agreement, state Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) have filed the current suit, citing EMR’s ongoing negligence concerning the safety conditions at its facilities. The lawsuit claims that there have been over a dozen severe fires in the Camden area within the past five years, which not only endanger the immediate vicinities but also challenge the health of surrounding communities.
The legal complaint, filed in New Jersey Superior Court, asserts that the recurrent fires at EMR’s plants constitute an “ongoing public nuisance” and alleges the company has repeatedly ignored necessary safety protocols and failed to implement vital corrective measures. Attorney General Platkin stated that the company’s disregard for public safety is unacceptable and has prompted legal action to hold EMR accountable for its operations that supposedly prioritize profits over the welfare of Camden residents.
EMR USA Holdings Inc., headquartered in Camden, operates several facilities in the region and has faced scrutiny for multiple fires at its sites, with the Camden location being particularly problematic. Historical incidents noted in the lawsuit include fires that led to immediate evacuations and created hazardous air quality conditions. The legal proceedings highlight specific events such as a significant fire at a barge in the Delaware Bay linked to the company’s operations and various other smaller yet impactful incidents scattered across their facilities in Bayonne and Newark.
As the lawsuit progresses, the state seeks measures that will enforce heightened safety protocols at EMR’s facilities, including enhanced surveillance, limiting scrap pile heights, and more immediate reporting of fires to the DEP. The lawsuit ultimately aims to compel the company to take significant steps to mitigate risks associated with its operations, thereby protecting both residents and the environment in the Camden area.
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