Camden Residents Clash with City Council Over EMR Recycling Deal

A group of Camden residents voiced their concerns at Tuesday's City Council meeting over a proposed agreement with EMR, a metal recycling company. The deal, still in draft form, follows a major fire earlier this year linked to lithium-ion batteries at the South Camden facility.

Residents argued they had not been properly consulted before the city moved forward with the plan, which includes financial compensation and operational changes for EMR.

About a dozen locals attended the meeting to challenge the $6.7 million agreement announced in April. Aliyah Jones, a Waterfront South resident, called on the council to halt the deal, saying residents had not yet had a chance to discuss their grievances directly with EMR.

Council Vice President Arthur Barclay, who represents Ward 4, had previously cancelled a scheduled meeting where residents could have spoken to the company. This added to frustrations, with some accusing officials of sidelining public input.

The proposed agreement includes upgrades to EMR's fire suppression system, reimbursement for fire damages, a smaller operational footprint, stricter inspections, and limits on shredding pile heights. Councilwoman Sheila Davis pushed for full transparency on how the funds would be used and urged colleagues to listen to residents' concerns.

Kevin Barfield, another resident, highlighted EMR's history of violations and backed calls for greater accountability. Meanwhile, Council President Angel Fuentes recognised the community's frustrations but commended Mayor Vic Carstarphen for addressing their worries.

The discussions come after a five-alarm fire in winter, which EMR attributed to improper storage or disposal of lithium-ion batteries. In response, the city passed an ordinance in April to regulate such batteries more strictly.

The draft agreement remains under review, with residents demanding more involvement in the process. The deal's final terms will determine how EMR's operations change and how the city uses the allocated funds.

Council members now face pressure to ensure public concerns shape the outcome before any decision is finalised.