The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) released new industry guidance to help recycling operations prevent, detect, mitigate, and respond to fire risks.
Approved by ReMA’s board of directors, the guidance provides a practical framework for recycling facilities to strengthen fire safety planning and operational preparedness.
The full guidance is available to ReMA members as part of the association’s broader Fire Safety and Prevention Resources, which also includes ReMA’s detailed Guide for Creating a Fire Prevention and Management Plan.
“Safety is the foundation of a successful recycling operation,” said ReMA president, Robin Wiener. “Recyclers are facing new challenges that require proactive solutions. This guidance reflects the industry’s commitment to protecting employees, communities, first responders, and critical recycling infrastructure.”
The guidance is organized around four key principles:
- Prevention: Establishing material acceptance policies, inspecting inbound materials, and preparing contingency plans for operational disruptions.
- Detection: Training employees to identify potential hazards and implementing systems that can detect heat signatures and alert facility personnel.
- Mitigation: Managing material storage, maintaining fire breaks, and ensuring fire-suppression equipment is readily available and functional.
- Education: Conducting regular employee training and drills while building strong partnerships with local fire departments, community leaders, and regulators.
The recommendations build upon ReMA’s longstanding safety resources, including guidance on battery management, fire prevention planning, hazard recognition and emergency response procedures.
The guidance also emphasizes collaboration with local fire departments and emergency responders, encouraging facilities to conduct site visits, joint training exercises and ongoing communication to improve preparedness and response capabilities.
“Recycling facilities play a vital role in supplying manufacturers with essential recycled materials that support American industry, infrastructure, and economic growth,” Wiener said. “Maintaining safe operations is critical to ensuring those materials continue moving efficiently through the supply chain while protecting workers and neighboring communities.”
ReMA will continue working with members, policymakers, manufacturers and other stakeholders to advance practical solutions that reduce fire risks while supporting a safe, resilient, and sustainable recycling system.”
Published September 2026
