A December 2024 fire at a waste processing plant in Ibaraki Prefecture, likely caused by a lithium-ion battery, will cost at least $27 million to repair. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in mobile phones and other portable devices, are prone to catching fire when crushed, causing repeated waste-related fires across Japan. The facility, which handles waste from four cities, is currently outsourcing processing to private companies. The fully restored facility is expected to resume operations in August 2027.
by SkyInJapan