U.S. Recycling Groups Publish Draft Safety Guide as Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Rise at Sorting Facilities
Three leading U.S. waste and recycling trade groups have issued a draft operational guide aimed at reducing lithium-ion battery fires at materials recovery facilities, a growing safety and cost concern as battery-powered products proliferate in household waste streams, according to joint reporting released this week by the organizations.
The Solid Waste Association of North America, the National Waste & Recycling Association, and the Recycled Materials Association said the draft guidance is designed to help facility operators better detect, handle, and respond to batteries that are improperly discarded in curbside trash and recycling. Industry data show battery-related fires have increased steadily over the past decade, damaging equipment, disrupting operations, and raising insurance and worker safety risks across the sector.
Lithium-ion batteries are now embedded in a wide range of consumer goods, from toys and power tools to e-cigarettes and small electronics. Observers note that many of these items enter recycling systems unnoticed, where they can be crushed, punctured, or overheated during sorting. Analysts say that even a single battery can ignite conveyor belts or stored materials, leading to factory shutdowns.
The draft guide outlines practical measures for materials recovery facilities, including improved visual identification protocols, employee training, designated storage practices, and emergency response planning. It also addresses internal communication and external messaging to customers, reflecting a broader industry push to keep batteries out of curbside bins altogether. The document is intended as a flexible framework rather than a regulatory mandate, allowing operators to adapt recommendations to facility size, technology, and local conditions.
Industry leaders said the initiative reflects escalating pressure on recyclers to manage fire risk as volumes rise. SWANA Chief Executive Amy Lestition Burke said battery fires have become one of the most urgent safety challenges facing the sector, while NWRA President Michael Hoffman emphasized the impact on workers and surrounding communities. ReMA President Robin Wiener noted that misplaced batteries not only create hazards but also prevent valuable metals from being recovered through proper recycling channels.
Beyond facility-level practices, the guide aligns with a renewed emphasis on consumer education. NWRA plans to launch a national public service campaign in January to coincide with the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, featuring the long-running Woodsy Owl character. The campaign, titled “Skip the Bin! Turn Your Batteries In!”, aims to help consumers recognize battery-containing products and use dedicated drop-off or mail-in programs instead of curbside recycling.
Industry groups argue that public behavior remains a critical weak point. Surveys cited by waste operators suggest many households are unaware that common items contain rechargeable batteries, while local recycling rules vary widely. Analysts say consistent national messaging could reduce contamination and fire incidents, though they caution that education alone may not keep pace with the rapid growth of battery-powered devices.
Observers expect battery management to remain a central operational issue for materials recovery facilities as electrification expands. Policymakers in several states are considering extended producer responsibility laws for batteries and electronics, which could shift some costs upstream. Until then, industry officials say voluntary standards and shared best practices are essential to protecting workers and infrastructure.
Source: SWANA
SUNSHINE Spotlight: A new industry-backed draft guide seeks to curb rising lithium-ion battery fires at U.S. recycling facilities through improved detection, training, and consumer awareness.
