Fire hazard : Burning issue: Industry unites on battery fire safety
Lithium-ion batteries have become ubiquitous in modern life, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to power tools and electric vehicles. But as their prevalence grows, so too does a dangerous and costly consequence for the waste and resource management industry: fires. When batteries are carelessly discarded in household rubbish or recycling bins, they enter the waste stream as hidden incendiary devices, capable of igniting collection vehicles, processing facilities, and landfills. The problem is no longer a rare incident — it has become an ongoing challenge across the sector.
Addressing this escalating threat, the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and fire protection specialists Fire Rover have joined forces to launch a dedicated online resource. The collaborative webpage marks the latest step in a broader partnership between the two organisations, one focused on data sharing, education, and joint programming to tackle the ignition risks associated with improperly disposed batteries.
"Battery safety has been a top priority for SWANA. This new webpage is our latest tool to support our members and the public with preventing battery-related fires," said SWANA CEO Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE. "We have been hearing from our SWANA Lithium-Ion Battery Workgroup about the need for a centralised database to report battery fires. Fire Rover, a corporate partner of SWANA, worked with us to make this a reality. We appreciate this productive partnership with Fire Rover."
>>> The Hidden peril of lithium-ion batteries: A call for responsible disposal
Centralising incident intelligence
One of the most significant features of the new platform is its anonymous fire reporting tool. Waste and resource management professionals can now submit details of fire incidents that have occurred at their facilities or within their vehicle fleets, including the cause where known and supporting photographs. SWANA will use the data gathered to bolster its outreach and advocacy efforts around battery safety — a move that should help the industry build a clearer, evidence-based picture of the true scale of the problem.
The need for such a centralised repository has been voiced repeatedly by members of SWANA's Lithium-Ion Battery Workgroup. Until now, incident data has remained fragmented and difficult to aggregate, limiting the industry's ability to respond effectively or make a compelling case for policy change.
>>> Li-ion Batteries as Fire Hazards in Waste Management Facilities
Keeping combustion out of kerbside collections
Beyond data collection, the webpage functions as a practical hub for prevention. A searchable tool allows users to locate nearby battery drop-off and recycling points, making it easier for households and businesses to dispose of batteries responsibly rather than placing them in general waste. Educational content and resources are also available, highlighting the shared responsibility that falls on both communities and industry professionals in reducing the risk of battery-related blazes.
"This new webpage reflects the shared mission of SWANA and Fire Rover to protect workers, facilities, and the public from the growing risk of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries," stated Ryan Fogelman of Fire Rover. "Preventing battery-caused fires requires education, shared responsibility, and access to practical solutions."
A shared commitment to safer practices
The webpage builds on an existing partnership that has placed both organisations at the forefront of efforts to reduce combustion risks in the waste and recycling sector. Fire Rover, which specialises in fire detection and suppression systems for high-risk environments including landfills and waste processing facilities, brings considerable technical expertise to the collaboration. SWANA, as the leading professional association for the sector in North America, provides the reach and advocacy platform needed to translate data and education into meaningful industry change.
SWANA members and industry stakeholders are encouraged to visit the resource, share it within their organisations and communities, and make use of its tools to support responsible battery disposal. The webpage is available at firerover.com/swana-partnership.
