US facility in a city named Camden resumes operations with new safeguards
EMR has begun a phased restart of its Waterfront South recycling facility in Camden, New Jersey, after a series of fires forced interruptions to work on the site. The company states that limited activities resumed on 13 July 2026, with a plan to return to full operating capacity by 17 July 2026.
While this development concerns a different Camden in the United States, the measures disclosed are notable for any urban area hosting metal and materials recovery operations. The company has paired the reopening with a new operational framework aimed at addressing fire hazards associated with modern waste streams, particularly lithium‑ion batteries.
FireSMART framework and focus on high‑risk materials
EMR has introduced a safety programme it calls FireSMART. The framework is designed to embed fire prevention and response across site operations. The company describes five core components that underpin the approach:
Source, Manage, Assess, Respond, and Train
According to the company, the objective is to reduce the likelihood of incidents triggered by hazardous items in incoming loads and to strengthen on‑site readiness should a fire start.
Site reconfiguration, monitoring and response upgrades
As part of the restart, EMR reports that it has reworked how materials are handled and stored on the site. Changes include separating activities with fire breaks, maintaining smaller stockpile volumes, and tightening the inspection of incoming scrap using trained staff supported by thermal scanners. Processing timetables have been adjusted to avoid the build‑up of unprocessed materials.
Continuous monitoring and response capacity are also being expanded. The company says the Camden site now features a 24/7 fire watch, thermal imaging cameras, and automated water cannons, together with revised emergency procedures. Staff will receive regular training focused on recognising and managing the risks linked to lithium‑ion batteries.
What’s changing on the ground
- Phased reopening from 13 to 17 July 2026 to restore full capacity.
- FireSMART programme structured around five operational pillars.
- Reconfigured yard with fire breaks and reduced stockpile sizes.
- Enhanced screening of incoming materials via trained teams and thermal scanners.
- Round‑the‑clock oversight supported by thermal imaging and automated suppression.
- Updated emergency response protocols and ongoing staff training.
Timeline and key measures
| Date/Area | Detail |
|---|---|
| 13 July 2026 | Limited activities resume at EMR Camden (New Jersey) |
| 17 July 2026 (anticipated) | Return to full operational capacity |
| Prevention | Fire breaks; smaller stockpiles; adjusted processing schedules |
| Screening | Trained staff; thermal scanners for incoming scrap |
| Monitoring | 24/7 fire watch; thermal imaging cameras |
| Suppression/Response | Automated water cannons; revised emergency protocols |
| Training | Regular instruction on lithium‑ion battery risk management |
Why this matters for readers in Camden, London
Although this announcement relates to Camden in New Jersey, the detailed steps set out by EMR illustrate the kinds of operational controls being adopted to address fire risks linked to modern materials, notably lithium‑ion batteries found in consumer and industrial products. For densely built communities, the emphasis on smaller stockpiles, thermal monitoring, and round‑the‑clock vigilance underscores the need for layered prevention and response measures at recycling and metal recovery sites.
EMR’s timetable and the FireSMART components provide a reference point for what operators say they are implementing following incidents. The company’s focus on both source control and staff training highlights the role of screening and skills in reducing risk, alongside physical changes to yards and equipment.
