Environmental impacts of a scrapyard loom in Camden, N.J.

The bill would create a tax credit to help recycling companies buy battery detectors, tax battery makers and create a recycling program.

Independent journalist Katrina Janco and WHYY’s Sophia Schmidt and Kimberly Paynter discussed their investigative work.

The incident occurred just days after a judge allowed EMR to restart its shredder facility following a fire there in May.

One worker sustained life-threatening injuries and was in “critical, but stable condition” Tuesday, a county spokesperson said.

County emergency services said dozens of firefighters responded to a blaze at 3 Industrial Drive, the address of a junkyard owned by EMR.

The judge’s order comes after City Council rejected a settlement with EMR that would have allowed the site to reopen with conditions.

The settlement would have allowed the company to restart its scrap metal shredder. Residents say they’re left wondering what happens next.

EMR sued Camden after the city suspended the company’s junkyard license following its latest fire.

City officials cut a deal meant to protect residents with the scrap metal company. It didn't. “We let them down,” EMR USA CEO Joe Balzano said.

The lawsuit, filed by three Camden residents, claimed “noxious emissions” from EMR interfered with the use of their properties.

The company said the order to pause its scrap metal shredder has cost it around $10 million and will lead to layoffs if it continues.

The city suspended EMR’s junkyard license for the facility where the latest fire occurred, and will reevaluate the suspension next month.

The May fire was the latest of over a dozen at facilities run by EMR in Camden since 2020. The suspension will be reevaluated in early July.

The order comes after city, county and state elected officials called on government agencies to shut EMR’s Camden operations.

A spokesperson for Camden’s mayor said the city is “undertaking all necessary legal research to move forward” with revoking EMR’s city licensure.