Dozens of employees from EMR Recycling gathered with bullhorns, chants and signs, urging city leaders to allow the facility to remain open. The demonstration comes after a two-alarm fire last week that could be seen for miles and renewed scrutiny over safety at the site.
"We want to speak to all the top officials. Everybody that feels like they want to shut EMR down, we have a problem with that; we are going to fight for our jobs," said Kareem Anderson, EMR's senior manager of operations.
The facility has been at the center of an environmental lawsuit tied to multiple fires over the years.
SEE ALSO | Camden officials demand shutdown of recycling facility after repeated fires
Camden officials demand shutdown of facility after repeated fires
The most recent blaze is believed to have been caused by the improper disposal of a lithium-ion battery. Following that fire, EMR paused operations of its shredder.
Workers said lithium-ion batteries are a key source of danger in scrap yards and called for stronger regulations before such materials reach facilities like theirs.
"We are doing all the necessary steps to prevent the fires. What needs to happen is that we need to put legislation and laws for these lithium batteries before they reach these scrap yards because they are very dangers to the scrap yard," Anderson said.
The state of New Jersey and the Department of Environmental Protection have filed suit over at least a dozen fires linked to the facility over time. Camden officials have called for the site to be shut down and have asked regulatory agencies to intervene.
RELATED | New Jersey sues Camden scrap metal recycler over repeated fires
In response, EMR said in a letter to the mayor that it has been working with the city to reduce fire risks, install advanced fire suppression systems and operate as a responsible neighbor.
Workers emphasized the stakes of a potential closure, saying the facility provides employment opportunities for people seeking a fresh start.
"EMR is a second-chance job. The majority of us here today are second-chance convicted felons, and EMR gave us a chance in society with a career," Anderson said.
Employees said roughly 1,000 jobs could be at risk if the facility is forced to close.
State officials said the Department of Environmental Protection does not have the legislative authority to directly regulate scrap metal facilities but is pursuing relief through the courts.