EREF survey aimed at understanding the frequency and cause of fires at waste, recycling facilities

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF), in partnership with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), requests responses from industry participants to a survey aiming to understand the frequency and causes of fires at scrap facilities, materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and other facilities.

Currently, EREF says it has received more than 250 responses from a number of companies, including responses from top waste management companies. EREF says it hopes to double this response by Dec. 31 and encourages company representatives who have not participated in this effort to contribute data. Data will be presented in a compiled form and individual facility names, addresses and contact information will not be shared.

Although the association is seeking addition feedback, preliminary findings of this study indicate:

• Sixty-eight percent of facilities that responded experienced at least one fire within the past year.
• Ninety-seven percent of respondents have a fire plan and offer training for employees.
• The most common types of fire prevention strategies implemented by MRFs and scrap facilities include using a portable fire extinguisher, 24-hour remote monitoring and automatic sprinkler systems.

To complete the survey, or for more information, visit EREF's website.