New Jersey Takes Legal Action Against Camden Scrapyard After Years of Repeated Fires
New Jersey has sued a South Jersey scrapyard that officials say has persistently threatened a Camden neighborhood. Eastern Metal Recycling (EMR) was sued by the state for public nuisance due to its lengthy history of dangerous fires, pollution, and safety issues that have affected local communities.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and State Department of Environmental Protection have linked the Camden scrapyard to at least 12 dangerous fires in the past five years. The state says these accidents have regularly fouled the air, filled adjacent streets with dense smoke, and prompted people to evacuate, posing a hazard to public health and safety.
State leaders said the lawsuit was filed to finally hold people accountable after years of complaints and issues. Officials highlighted that homeowners should not be in fear of the industrial operation next door. The case requests that the Superior Court of New Jersey force EMR to promptly decrease fire hazards at its Camden sites and remedy circumstances that have caused recurring incidents.
The legal action follows a four-alarm fire at an EMR scrapyard in Camden that evacuated 100 people less than a year earlier. Nearly 19 hours were spent fighting that fire. The fire disrupted operations and raised safety concerns, but no one was killed. Authorities said massive mounds of high-risk garbage like plastics, glass, dirt, and other unwanted goods were kept and managed improperly, worsening the fire.
After the incident, the fire marshal reported a disorganized response. According to the investigation, plant staff barricaded entry points and moved burning materials to other piles and conveyor belts, worsening the situation. A broken fire hydrant hampered firefighters’ efforts to put out the fire, according to the report.
Residents around the scrapyard have long complained of odors, smoke, headaches, nausea, breathing problems, burning eyes, and throat irritation. These disorders may have caused asthma and emotional stress in certain families. The scrapyard has exacerbated Camden’s overcrowding and poor air quality, according to neighbors.
Community members appreciated the state’s action since their issues were finally being addressed. One Camden mother, who fled her home with her disabled family members during last year’s fire, said the recurring incidences had hurt adjacent families. Advocates cited a lack of enforcement and demanded better oversight and real repercussions.
A U.K. firm with a metal shredding mill and auto-related operations in Camden, EMR, disputed the state’s assertions. The company’s leadership indicated it has extensively invested in fire control and prevention. According to a memorandum of understanding with Camden last August, EMR would spend $6.7 million to strengthen fire suppression systems, reimburse the city for firefighting costs, and address community impacts.
EMR employs over 500 individuals in Camden, including many residents, and safety is their first focus. The firm admitted that the February 2025 fire took too long to contain and promised to prevent future incidents.
However, state documents reflect a long history of issues. At least 20 fires and explosions have occurred at EMR since 2014, and New Jersey officials have cited it over 25 times for various breaches. At least $1.3 million in federal and state fines resulted from the offenses. A minor EMR facility fire in October was swiftly suppressed.
The reason of the February 2025 fire is still debated. EMR blamed a lithium-ion battery, a major hazard for recycling plants. However, fire authorities stated the cause is unknown until further testing and information is available.
State lawmakers stated that the action protects communities and ensures firms comply with the law. Officials claimed no firm should benefit while endangering adjacent families. The court’s decision might affect how New Jersey enforces environmental and safety laws at industrial sites, especially in communities with severe environmental responsibilities.
The case may change Camden people’ lives after years of smoke, evacuations, and uncertainty. Whether it leads to enduring change depends on the courts and accurate enforcement of corrective measures.
Sources
New Jersey Attorney General’s Office
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
City of Camden Fire Marshal’s Office
