Residents in the city of Camden have long endured poor air quality, but one recurring issue stands out as both hazardous and preventable: Fires at a city scrap metal recycling facility. It is a concern raised by community members and environmental experts alike.
These fires have occurred multiple times in the last three years. These incidents then go on to not only degrade air quality but also highlight the broader environmental injustice that Camden’s most vulnerable residents face daily.
The most recent fire broke out on Monday, Feb. 24, at approximately 5 p.m. at the EMR Metal Recycling facility at 1400 block of South Front Street in Camden. It is reported that the fire was so intense that smoke was visible from 15 miles away and that it was not fully contained until around 1 a.m. As a result, many residents had to be evacuated, and nearby hotels quickly reached full capacity for the night.
The company said a lithium-ion battery improperly sent to the scrapyard caused the fire.
Sean Mohen, Director of Tri-County Sustainability and a Camden County Air Quality Committee member, described the situation bluntly.
“There have been at least six fires at this company’s Camden City facilities since 2016,” he said.
While Mohen does not live in Camden, he noted that even at his home in the nearby suburbs, “During these fire events, the air quality was so poor that our family felt a need to go inside out of concern for our health.”
His experience shows the severity of these fires, which release dangerous pollutants into the air and force residents indoors to protect their health. It is worth keeping in mind that some of the Camden City residents may have homes that are not sealed correctly, allowing these pollutants to come in, as well as may not have central air conditioning, forcing them to keep windows open in the summer months to keep their homes at a bearable temperature.
The impact of these fires continues to extend further beyond temporary discomfort. According to Dr. Lisa Cerceo of Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden’s air pollution disproportionately harms “elderly, children, immigrants, those with comorbidities, pregnant women, and fetuses.”
Fires at the trash incinerator add to this crisis, creating fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other toxins that can trigger respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and long-term health complications. For Camden’s most vulnerable populations, these incidents are more than just nuisances, they are direct threats to their well-being and long-term health.
Furthering the issue is the unfair distribution of pollution across Camden’s neighborhoods. Mohen pointed out the “unfairness that some neighborhoods are more impacted than others.” Industrial pollution, heavy truck traffic, and incinerator emissions concentrate in lower-income areas, leaving residents with no choice but to live their lives amongst these poor environmental conditions that wealthier communities would never tolerate. This imbalance reinforces a pattern of environmental injustice that demands immediate action.
So, what can be done to address the incinerator fires and improve Camden’s air quality? Mohen emphasized the need for “waste remediation and facility oversight,” while Cerceo advocated for a “rapid transition to clean transit systems and renewable energy.” Addressing Camden’s pollution crisis will require a multi-pronged approach, including stricter oversight of industrial facilities, investments in cleaner technology, and better waste management practices.
Empowering Camden residents to advocate for their right to clean air is crucial. As Sangeeta Doshi of the Camden County Air Quality Committee noted, “Residents need more community involvement to help those that are not able to be advocates for themselves.”
Providing accessible information, ensuring public meetings are convenient for working residents, and amplifying local voices are essential steps in holding polluters accountable and driving meaningful changes.
The fires at Camden’s recycling and solid waste facilities are not isolated incidents—they are symptoms of a larger environmental justice crisis. Addressing them requires action, investment in sustainable alternatives, and a commitment to protecting the health of Camden’s residents. Without immediate intervention, the cycle of pollution and public health risks will continue. Camden deserves better, and it is time to find it.
Note: The conversations with Mohen, Cerceo, and Doshi reported here were part of a focus group discussion held on February 24, 2025, organized by the Rowan University Planning Studio and Camden Community Partnership, and led by Dr. Mahbubur Meenar and Alex Darling. Bradley Leverrett is a graduate student in the Department of Geography, Planning, and Sustainability, Rowan University.
