A large fire broke out at a waste sorting center in Paris’s 17th arrondissement on the evening of Monday, April 7, 2025. Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing into the sky near the city’s judicial court and the Boulevard Périphérique, prompting widespread concern.

The facility, which handles recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, and cardboard from yellow bins, was engulfed in flames. According to Syctom, the public agency managing waste treatment in Paris, lithium batteries and other hazardous items often lead to fires at these types of sites — with over a hundred fire incidents reported annually.

The entire structure collapsed due to the intensity of the blaze, according to the local mayor. Authorities quickly shut down nearby roads, including parts of the city’s ring road, and urged residents to keep their windows closed. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, and no toxic substances were detected in the air.

This video captures the magnitude of the smoke cloud and the emergency response in real time — a dramatic scene that showcases the challenges urban centers face in managing recycling safely.