Galloo boss after major scrap fire: ‘Existential risk for recyclers’   

Metal recycler Galloo is assessing the damage following a raging fire at the company’s main scrap yard in Menen near the Belgian-French border. The fire was probably caused by a lithium battery, Galloo’s ceo Rik Debaere tells Recycling International.

The fire broke out early on Wednesday (19 August) in a pile of electrical appliances. A huge plume of smoke was visible across the surrounding area. No one was injured. Yard operations have resumed.

Firefighters responded in large numbers. Around 150 were deployed from various stations within west Flanders and France. Extinguishing the flames proved difficult because the material repeatedly reignited. Firefighters had to dismantle and separate the material to reach the heart of the fire.

Heavy smoke, damaged crane

A large plume of smoke was generated. The municipality of Menen advised residents to keep their windows and doors closed. Although there were initially fears of extensive damage, Galloo’s buildings were largely spared. However, a crane was reportedly among the equipment damaged. The company is assessing the extent of the damage.

‘Existential risk‘

The fire is believed to have been caused by a faulty lithium battery, says Galoo director Rik Debaere. ‘This incident underlines what professionals in waste management and recycling have been emphasising for some time: the sharp increase in lithium batteries in everyday products poses an existential risk to recycling facilities, despite all the measures we are already taking to prevent fires.’

Broad action needed

Debaere is calling for a joint approach involving governments, manufacturers and consumers, as well as binding measures to limit the risks. ‘We urge consumers never to dispose of lithium batteries with household waste or scrap metal but always to return them through the dedicated collection systems for used batteries.’