Camden judge allows EMR Recycling to reopen if fire safety upgrades met

CAMDEN, NJ - A judge ruled Wednesday, July 8, that EMR Recycling in Camden can reopen, but only if it meets certain safety requirements, according to court proceedings. The ruling comes after Camden City Council voted against reopening the facility, which has been closed for more than a month following a series of fires.

Judge sets strict safety requirements for reopening

What we know:

EMR Recycling has been shut down for more than a month after more than a dozen fires at the facility. 

The city argued that the company put Camden residents' safety in jeopardy.

The judge ruled that EMR may reopen only if it complies with specific conditions, including proving that a new fire suppression system is fully operational and working.

The city council voted against reopening the facility a day before the judge’s decision.

EMR responds to judge’s decision

What they're saying:

In a statement Wednesday, EMR said:

"For over 100 years, Camden Iron & Metal, now part of EMR, has operated in Camden, recycling materials necessary to build a more sustainable future. EMR is committed to the city and the people of Camden who are our employees, friends, and neighbors.

We are just as committed to improving the safety of the recycled material stream that has been upended by a flood of lithium-ion batteries that create demonstrated fire risks. EMR will continue to address risks to limit the entry of prohibited scrap with embedded lithium-ion batteries into our facilities. And, through our ongoing series of operational and technology enhancements, EMR will continue to adapt and improve inbound material management, reducing fire risks that affect our facilities, and responding safely and swiftly if incidents arise."

EMR said it will continue to implement operational and technology enhancements to reduce fire risks and respond quickly if problems occur.

The statement below is in response to the EMR Court Order issued by Superior Court Judge Steven Polansky and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signing legislation aimed at improving safety of scrap metal businesses.

"Judge Polansky issued a preliminary injunction stopping the City of Camden from enforcing the suspension of EMR’s Junkyard License. While the City awaits the actual Court Order, EMR will not be able to resume operations until it meets a series of conditions expected to be outlined in the order. This is ultimately a victory for Camden residents and a positive outcome particularly for the Waterfront South community. Our Camden residents will not be bullied by EMR or anyone. EMR will not be allowed to act in a way that endangers the health and welfare of our citizens. As elected officials, we must always consider what is best for our residents. Thankfully, EMR will now be required by the courts to run a safe site and that has always been our top priority. Furthermore, the MOU between EMR and the City remains in effect and the City will continue to regulate fire safety though the Camden Fire Department and the Bureau of License & Inspections will aggressively regulate junkyard operations. In addition, we commend and applaud Gov. Mikie Sherrill for signing into law legislation proposed by Assemblyman Bill Moen from New Jersey’s 5th Legislative District, which will help establish statewide measures to improve the safety and operations of all scrap metal facilities. Tougher regulations will now be in place to ensure a safer operation at EMR. Once the City of Camden is in receipt of Judge Polansky Court Order, the City will review and determine next steps."

The backstory:

The facility has faced scrutiny after more than a dozen fires led to its shutdown for over a month. The most recent fire happened in the early morning hours of May 29.  City officials argued that EMR’s operations put residents at risk, prompting the city council’s vote against reopening.

EMR has operated in Camden for more than 100 years, now as part of EMR USA Metal Recycling.

Community reactions to judge’s decision on EMR plant 

Local perspective:

The EMR recycling facility has been the site of at least 13 fires since 2020, according to a lawsuit filed by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office earlier this year. 

Some residents say the plant is a health hazard, especially for younger people. 

"It's a problem. Because I'm a older person my life is a different turn but for the younger kids it's a danger to their health," said James Haye. 

Others, like a woman named Wanda, say the plant is vital for their income. 

"I'm a junker and if you close them down you close me down," said Wanda. 

The Camden City Council voted unanimously against reopening the plant, according to Council President Angel Fuentes. 

"We all agreed that we can't allow for EMR to continue to operate knowing that a lot of issues were still up in the air," said Fuentes. 

The EMR plant is a source of income for some Camden residents who collect and sell scrap metal. 

"That's how I survive I don't have no income. This is my income," said Wanda. 

Wanda and her neighbors want the plant to stay open but are calling for safety improvements. 

"They should be required to make some improvements to stay open," said Wanda. She also suggested the facility stop accepting lithium batteries. The plant’s future remains a point of debate in the community, with some pushing for a complete shutdown until a new solution is found. 

"Shut down completely until they find a new solution," said Haye.

What we don't know:

It is not yet clear when or if EMR will meet the judge’s conditions and reopen. 

Details about the timeline for implementing the new fire suppression system have not been provided.