An Analysis of Lithium-ion Battery Fires in Waste Management and Recycling

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Simon Metals, Tacoma, WA
9/17/2018
Likely or Definite
Battery Type Fire Count
Facility Type
Likely or Definite
Battery Type Fire Count
Facility Type
10/28/2020
Likely or Definite
Battery Type Fire Count Facility Type
Likely or Definite
Battery Type Fire Count
Facility Type
2017
Likely or Definite
Battery Type Fire Count
Facility Type
Likely
Unknown LIB 1
Scrap metal yard
Likely
Unknown LIB 1
Scrap metal yard
Likely
Unknown LIB
1
Scrap metal yard
Definite
Cell phone battery 1
Electronic scrap processor
Definite
T ablet battery 1
Electronic scrap processor
Details and Impacts:
This fire at a scrap metal yard caused $95,000 to $115,000 in damages. Seven firetrucks were called to the scene, and it took nine hours to put out the blaze (Smalley, 2018).
62
Pacific Coast Shredding, Vancouver, WA61
2019
63
Details and Impacts:
This fire was likely started by an LIB going through an auto shredder. The fire caused $20,000 of damage, increased insurance rates, and closed the facility for a day.
Details and Impacts: None or unknown
A large box of scrap caught on fire, likely because of an LIB. The box was moved outside, and the fire was put out by staff.
Cascade Asset Management, Madison, WI
2016
64
An LIB began smoking and then burst into flames after an employee opened a phone to remove it at this electronics recycler (Fowler, 2018).
Details and Impacts: None or unknown
An LIB exploded while the tablet that housed
it was being disassembled. The surrounding area had to be evacuated (Fowler, 2018).
Details and Impacts: None or unknown
61 See Industry Experience 5 for more detailed information.
An Analysis of Lithium-ion Battery Fires in Waste Management and Recycling 56