SWANA Releases Statement on Product Safety Emergency

Silver Spring, MD – The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has released a statement calling for producers and policy makers to prioritize safety and responsible end of life (EOL) management for hazardous products. The waste and resource management industry is adversely impacted by the growing number of fires and explosions caused by lithium-ion batteries, compressed gas cylinders, marine flares, fireworks, and similar products.  

These common items often lack plans for end-of-life management, clear labeling, and consumer education on safe management and disposal. They find their way into household trash and recycling bins, which has led to fires in collection vehicles, transfer stations, materials recovery facilities (MRFs), landfills, and waste-to-energy facilities. 

“We are facing an emergency threat to the safety of our workers, facilities and equipment.  SWANA is seeking solutions to promote safer design and management of products to prevent fires and explosions,” stated SWANA Executive Director and CEO Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE. 

The statement urges brands and policymakers to take quick and decisive action to prevent the rise in fires through the following steps: 

• Stop adding new products to the market that pose a danger of fire or explosion if they do not have an EOL plan that works. 
• Design items to be recycled and batteries to be safely removed from products for proper EOL management.
• Label products clearly with their hazards, including whether they contain a battery or are explosive.
• Provide clear and proper disposal instructions to prevent disposal in household waste or recycling and ensure that a convenient and free EOL management option is available.
• Establish and sustain collection and disposal systems funding to manage these hazardous products properly.  

“We call on all stakeholders to join us in the urgent need to find solutions,” continued Lestition Burke.

SWANA is seeking other associations and organizations to join the effort to raise awareness of this important issue. If your organization is interested in supporting, contact Kristyn Oldendorf, SWANA Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications, at [email protected].