'Residents Live In Fear': Fires Prompt Scrap Metal Regulation Bill Closer To Law In NJ

TRENTON, NJ — A bill to establish safety measures for scrap metal operations in New Jersey cleared the State General Assembly on Monday.

Bill A2401 would create stricter fire prevention requirements, enhanced oversight, and stems from ongoing issues at Camden's EMR Advanced Recycling (EMR) facilities, Assemblyman William F. Moen Jr. said.

"Residents live in fear for their safety," Moen told Patch. "I introduced this bill to advocate for those New Jerseyans who, time and time again, have shouldered the costs of insufficient site regulations."

Scrap metal facilities are exempt from recycling regulations in the state, which limits the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) ability to enact clear regulations that prevent and remediate hazards.

Under A2401, scrap metal businesses would be required to install heat detection equipment, develop fire safety plans that are in coordination with local officials, and limit the height of combustible material collection.

Sites with large stockpiles would also need to install remotely operable fire suppression systems to quicly put out the fires before they spread.

Safety plans would also have to be publicly available.

Moen is also sponsoring another bill, A2406, that would remove the exemption to further establish accountability and protective measures.

"The argument that safety measures are inconvenient and bad for business is not enough," Moen added.

Legislation would take common-sense steps to prevent fires before they start, according to Moen, and ensure these facilities have the tools and guidance that are needed to stop them quickly.

On March 16, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and DEP amended a lawsuit from January against EMR.

The State said they acted "to hold EMR accountable for several additional fires that have occurred in recent weeks," and at least 12 over the last five years, including a Camden fire in February 2025 that forced 100 residents out of their homes while the flames were brought under control. Read More: NJ Attacks Camden County Recycling Business Again For Allegedly Causing Fires

Patch reached out to EMR for comment on Bill A2401 being cleared through the State Assembly and is yet to hear back.

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