Safety Matters: Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

SWANA’s first strategic goal is to make the industry safer, and our strategic plan specifically includes the need to address lithium-ion batteries, as they are a growing safety risk for workers in the industry.

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly common as consumers mistakenly discard a variety of electronics in household trash or recycling. Batteries can create fires when crushed by the collection equipment, dropped or scraped on hard surfaces, or crushed by landfill compacting equipment, among other causes.

SWANA recently participated in discussions with other industry organizations to begin planning a coordinated strategy to address the issue and will continue to move forward on this effort.

The guide for developing lithium battery management practices at material recovery facilities published by SWANA, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), and the National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) has helpful guidance that is applicable to other types of facilities. The 2022 joint letter to US EPA Administrator Regan on the best practices for safe recycling and labeling of lithium batteries also includes useful resources.

To learn more about this urgent issue and to participate in the conversation to pursue solutions, be sure to attend SOAR 2024 taking place in Phoenix, Arizona from April 15–18, 2024. SWANA will be hosting a special session on the challenge of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries and a workshop to discuss how SWANA can lead the path forward.