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 to a survey aiming to understand the frequency and causes of fires at scrap facilities, materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and other facilities.
Currently, EREF has received more than 250 responses from a number of companies, including responses from top waste management companies. EREF seeks to double this response by December 31 and encourages anyone who has not participated in this effort to ensure your facility is counted by contributing data. Data will be presented in a compiled form and individual facility names, addresses and contact information will not be shared.
What do the preliminary findings of this study indicate?
- 68% of facilities that responded experienced at least one fire within the past year.
- 97% 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.
The survey will close December 31, 2020.