Alarm in the recycling center: Fire brigade fights fire for hours!

Alarm in the recycling center: Fire brigade fights fire for hours!

In a dramatic scenario, the Friedland recycling center “Environment Plasma” experienced a devastating fire on Monday afternoon, June 16, 2025. Flames burst from a warehouse and the fire department was immediately alerted. Around 80 firefighters from various volunteer fire departments - including Friedland, Sadelkow, Salow, Eichhorst-Genzkow, Schwichtenberg, Kotelow and Neubrandenburg - were deployed to control the situation. Despite intensive extinguishing efforts, which took several hours, the exact cause of the fire remained unclear for the time being. Operations manager Stephan Drews emphasized that there had been cases of self-igniting batteries on the site in the past. This raises the question: How safely do we dispose of batteries and accumulators?

A recurring problem becomes clear: despite comprehensive information, many citizens continue to dispose of their batteries in household waste, which can have fatal consequences. Drews recalled a similar incident on December 30, 2024, in which a defective battery also caused a major fire. In view of the dangers, he appeals to the population to dispose of rechargeable batteries properly, as numerous electronics retailers and supermarkets accept them free of charge.

Risk of fire due to defective batteries

The fire risk posed by defective lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries should not be underestimated. According to a report from the University of Göttingen, this poses a serious safety risk. These batteries must be packaged and disposed of separately to avoid fires. Inflated batteries, which often end up in the disposal, are particularly at risk. If you own such batteries, you should not store them for long and under no circumstances should you charge them again. If the enveloping film is damaged, dangerous reactions can occur that can cause heat and smoke. Reports of fires in garbage trucks and waste sorting facilities show how quickly an accident can occur.

Another point that should not be ignored: charging and storing Pedelec and e-bike batteries also poses a risk of fire. Manufacturers provide clear instructions on safe handling and it is crucial to follow these. A collection service is also offered for defective batteries, which enables them to be disposed of safely.

Be careful for residents

In the event of a fire in the warehouse, the surrounding population was warned to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution as the smoke was carried towards the city. The fire department continuously monitored the situation and ensured the safety of residents. A call for the proper disposal of batteries and accumulators is not only a question of safety, but also a question of responsibility that each of us should share.

For anyone who would like to find out more about the safe handling and disposal of lithium batteries, further information can be found on the University of Göttingen website. It is everyone's responsibility to take such potential dangers seriously. The fire department warns urgently - act now and ensure safety in your area.