In 2024, fire-suppression company Fire Rover reported significant growth in fire incidents at waste and recycling facilities. The numbers tell a concerning story: there were 2,910 incidents, which is a staggering 60% rise from 1,809 in 2023 and more than double the 1,409 fires recorded in 2022.
This year marked a troubling milestone, with 398 publicly reported fires—the highest since Fire Rover began tracking these incidents eight years ago, when the total was around 275.
Ryan Fogelman, CEO of Fire Rover, shared insights that highlight the wide range of hazards in waste streams. “Fires can start from various sources, from fireworks to barbecue briquettes,” he noted in an email. However, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly to blame. With more devices using these batteries, proper disposal methods and consumer knowledge have lagged, leading to more dangerous situations.
All batteries can be hazardous in waste streams. They can trigger fires through various means: if they get punctured, vibrated, overheated, or short-circuited. In fact, Fire Rover’s report highlights a common misconception: it often appears in the media that batteries catch fire spontaneously. But in reality, the chaotic environment of waste handling makes it hard to prevent such incidents from occurring.
Fogelman estimates that around half of the tracked fires start with batteries. Last year, fires attributed to both traditional hazards and batteries caused around $2.5 billion in losses to facilities and infrastructure.
Interestingly, a recent survey by the EPA revealed that only 34% of consumers are aware of how to properly recycle lithium-ion batteries. This lack of knowledge poses a growing risk as more electronic devices flood the market. Increasing public awareness about battery recycling can potentially reduce these fire incidents significantly.
Social media reactions have also started to highlight this issue, with many users expressing shock over the lack of information on safe disposal methods. Hashtags like #BatteryAwareness are gaining traction, pushing for change and better consumer education. This ongoing conversation is crucial as we move into a future with more electronic waste.
In summary, as more batteries enter our waste streams, the risks of fire and the economic impact grow. Efforts to educate the public about safe disposal practices could make a critical difference in reducing these incidents.
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