As fire incidents continue to rise, facilities must stay proactive and adaptable. Fire prevention is not just a safety requirement, but also a core operational responsibility.
By Clay Layne
Fire hazards in the waste and recycling industry are not new, but the pace and severity of incidents have changed dramatically in recent years. Facilities across the country are dealing with hotter loads, more volatile materials, and a waste stream that looks nothing like it did a decade ago. Transfer stations, material recovery facilities (MRFs), and landfills are all seeing the effects. Fires are starting faster, spreading quicker, and causing more damage than ever before.
Industry data shows a steady rise in reported fires, with hundreds of incidents each year across the U.S. and Canada. Lithium-ion batteries alone have become a leading ignition source, and they are showing up in every part of the waste stream—from curbside recycling to commercial loads. As the volume of hazardous materials increases, so does the responsibility on operators to stay ahead of the risk.
Every month seems to be a record-breaking number of fires at waste facilities across North America. According to recent data from Ryan Fogelman of Fire Rover, January 2026 saw 25 incidents and February 2026 saw 31 incidents. Ryan stated that February numbers were the worst February he has seen since he started keeping track in 2016.
Why Fires Are Increasing
The Changing 91²Ö¿â Stream
The biggest shift is the sheer number of lithium-ion batteries entering the waste stream. These batteries are tucked inside everything— from power tools to e-cigarettes to greeting cards. When they are crushed or punctured, they can enter thermal runaway—a chain reaction that produces intense heat and is extremely difficult to extinguish.
The EPA has documented a sharp rise in battery-related fires over the past decade, and the trend has not slowed. MRFs and transfer stations are hit hardest because they handle the highest volume of mixed materials and rely heavily on mechanical processing equipment.
Other Ignition Sources
While batteries get most of the attention, they are far from the only problem. Facilities continue to see fires sparked by:
• Pressurized cylinders
• Aerosol cans
• Improperly disposed of chemicals
• Hot loads from commercial generators
• Sparks from equipment
• 91²Ö¿â reactions in mixed loads
The common thread is unpredictability. Hazardous materials arrive hidden inside bags, boxes, and compacted loads, giving operators little warning before something ignites.
Where Fires Start—and Why
Transfer Stations
Transfer stations are particularly vulnerable because they handle large volumes of unsorted waste in a short period of time. Compaction creates heat and pressure, and operators often have limited visibility into what is inside a load. A single crushed battery or aerosol can on the tipping floor can ignite a fire that spreads quickly through mixed waste.
Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
MRFs face the highest fire frequency in the industry. Conveyor friction, mechanical sorting, and the presence of paper, cardboard, and plastics create a perfect environment for ignition. When a battery or pressurized container hits the wrong piece of equipment, the result can be immediate.
Landfills
Landfill fires often start from subsurface reactions, hot loads, or equipment sparks. Once ignited, these fires can smolder for days or weeks. They are difficult to access, difficult to extinguish, and can spread through buried pockets of gas or decomposing material.
Spotting Fires Before They Spread
Early detection is the most effective way to prevent a small incident from becoming a major event. Operators should be trained to recognize the earliest signs of trouble.
Hot Loads
Loads that arrive smoking, steaming, or giving off unusual odors should be isolated immediately. Hot loads are one of the most common sources of tipping floor fires.
Equipment Warning Signs
Operators should watch for:
• Sparks
• Burning smells
• Sudden conveyor stoppages
• Overheated bearings or motors
These issues often signal friction-based ignition.
Battery-Related Indicators
Lithium-ion batteries often give off small flashes, popping sounds, or rapid smoke bursts before fully igniting. These early signs are easy to miss without proper training.
Temperature Spikes
Thermal cameras and handheld infrared devices can detect hotspots long before flames appear. Many facilities now rely on these tools as part of their daily operations.
Practical Fire Prevention Strategies
Strengthening Load Screening
A strong screening process is the first line of defense. This includes:
• Visual inspection of incoming loads
• Dedicated battery and electronics drop-off areas
• Clear signage for the public
• Loadchecking protocols for commercial haulers
The goal is to intercept hazards before they reach processing equipment.
Improve Housekeeping
Good housekeeping reduces fuel for fires and limits how quickly they spread. Facilities should:
• Keep tipping floors clear
• Remove combustible dust
• Maintain proper bale spacing
• Rotate stockpiles to prevent heat buildup
Maintain Equipment
Regular maintenance is essential. Worn belts, failing bearings, and electrical issues are all common ignition sources. Preventive maintenance schedules should be followed closely, and operators should be encouraged to report unusual equipment behavior immediately.
Train Staff for Rapid Response
Employees should know how to:
• Identify early-stage fires
• Isolate a load
• Activate suppression systems
• Communicate with supervisors and emergency responders
A fast, coordinated response can prevent a small fire from becoming a facility-wide emergency.
I recall a story from a municipal landfill many years ago. A hot load came into the landfill and the employees panicked and took the hot load outside the gate and dumped it in the drainage ditch. They then brought out the water truck to put the hot load out. The fire was extinguished, however bigger problems were then created.
New Technologies Making a Difference
The industry is adopting new tools that dramatically improve detection and response times.
Thermal Imaging Systems
Fixed thermal cameras monitor tipping floors, conveyors, and storage areas around the clock. They detect heat signatures long before flames appear and can trigger alarms automatically.
Remote Fire Detection and Suppression
Systems can provide 24/7 monitoring, thermal detection, and remote-activated suppression. These systems have been deployed widely across the U.S. and have prevented numerous large-scale incidents.
Battery Detection Technologies
Some MRFs are now using Xray and AIdriven systems to identify batteries before they reach high-risk processing zones. These systems can detect dozens of hazards per day, reducing the chance of ignition.
AI Enhanced Sorting
Robotic sorting systems equipped with AI can identify hazardous materials more accurately than manual sorting alone. This reduces human exposure and helps remove dangerous items earlier in the process.
A Layered Approach Is the Only Approach
There is no single solution to fire risk in the waste industry. The most effective strategy is a layered one—combining strong intake screening, staff training, housekeeping, equipment maintenance, and advanced detection technologies. As fire incidents continue to rise, facilities must stay proactive and adaptable. Fire prevention is not just a safety requirement, it is also a core operational responsibility. | WA
Clay Layne is CEO/President of The Training Layne and brings more than 30 years of experience in heavy equipment operations and safety. A 17-year veteran of Caterpillar Inc., Clay worked alongside engineers in research and development and led operator training focused on best practices and safety in the waste industry. His lifelong mission is to make the industry safer for all frontline workers through leadership, education, and a culture of accountability. He can be reached at (309) 397-3609 or e-mail [email protected].
If anyone has any topics or industry stories that you would like to share or want to see written about, please contact Clay via phone or e-mail.