Recent headlines have falsely claimed that fires at recycling facilities are caused by recycled plastics. We are here to set the record straight: these fires are caused by lithium-ion batteries that are inappropriately put into recycling or trash bins, NOT by recycling plastic packaging.

Action is needed to reduce the number of improperly disposed batteries so recycling plastics and other materials can be done more safely.

Why are lithium-battery fires happening at recycling and related facilities?

Thousands of fires occur at recycling facilities annually because of lithium ion batteries and cause substantial risk to workers and facilities. The fires at MRFs are primarily caused by lithium-ion batteries that are inappropriately included in curbside recycling bins and mistakenly transported to MRFs. These batteries are more prevalent due to the increased use of consumer electronics and are igniting during normal material sortation processes. These fires have also increased in frequency in trash trucks, at transfer stations, and in other disposal facilities, underscoring that this is problem with handling the discarded batteries and not an issue specific to recycling or to plastics.

According to the nation’s largest waste and recycling organizations, Lithium-ion batteries require special handling for proper recycling and disposal. They should never be placed in waste or curbside recycling bins as they can cause fires, endangering people and waste and recycling infrastructure. The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) also recently released a statement with additional information calling for producers and policy makers to prioritize safety and responsible end of life (EOL) management for hazardous products.

How does a lithium battery fire happen at a MRF?

When a piece of recycling equipment or machinery rubs against, crushes, or otherwise physically damages a lithium-ion battery, a fire can occur. This most commonly happens at the beginning of the recycling process when materials are moved and sorted. (Note: these fires can occur at any waste management facility, in a garbage truck, or even in a landfill.) Read more about why lithium ion batteries are particularly dangerous.

Does recycling plastics cause fires?

No, these fires are caused by batteries. The amount of plastic at the recycling facility has not been shown to have any correlation with either the number of fires at recycling plants or the severity of the fires. Even if all plastics were removed from recycling, lithium-ion batteries would still cause fires both at recycling plants and in trash trucks, at landfills, and other facilities. According to EPA, “When fires do start, they may spread quickly due to the large amounts of paper and cardboard present.” Over 50% of what’s being recycled today through residential programs is  paper (cardboard, newspaper, and junk mail), while plastics are less than 10% of the materials handled.

How can these fires be prevented?

The single most important intervention in reducing battery fires at recyclers and other facilities is to eliminate any lithium-ion products from getting into the recycling stream. This includes building out a dedicated system to properly collect and manage products containing lithium-ion batteries at their end of life. Eleven states have passed laws to require battery producers to develop and financially support recycling programs to address this substantial safety risk and to increase battery recycling. Learn more about these laws and initiatives across the US.

Looking for the Latest in Plastics Recycling? Stay informed with insights on the latest issues, trends, and announcements shaping the plastics recycling industry. Explore Now

» Publication Date: 17/02/2025

» More Information

« Go to Technological Watch