The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) presented Metro Auto Recyclers, in Valparaiso, with the Indiana Clean Yard Gold Level award on Wednesday. Metro Auto Recyclers is located at 2155 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Ind. 

After first achieving Gold-level status in November 2010, Metro Auto Recyclers has continued to maintain its high level of environmental stewardship, earning re-certification of IDEM’s highest level award.

IDEM Section Chief for Industrial Waste Compliance, Theresa Bordenkecher, presented the award to John Leegwater, Operations Manager, and Leighton Fritze, Quality Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator. The company was motivated to continue to implement measures to ensure environmental protections after receiving the first designation, and is working toward certification for its Indianapolis location, as well.

The Clean Yard program was established in 2009 as a collaborative effort of IDEM and the Automotive Recyclers of Indiana, Inc. (ARI) to decrease environmental threats posed by vehicles stockpiled in salvage yards.

To learn more about the Indiana Clean Yard and Indiana Clean Yard - Gold Level awards, the public can contact IDEM at (800) 451-6027, ext. 4-6960. In addition, auto salvage recyclers can obtain free, confidential compliance assistance and request confidential site visits by contacting IDEM's Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance toll free at (800) 988-7901. For more information, visit the IDEM Web site at www.idem.IN.gov/4993.htm.  

About IDEM
IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.  

About Auto Recyclers of Indiana
Auto Recyclers of Indiana (www.indianaautorecyclers.com) serves the interests and concerns of the automotive recycling industry of Indiana.