The auto salvage recycling business sector is over seventy-five years old. It has evolved into a sophisticated, technology-driven operation that constantly changes in response to innovations in the automotive industry. To be competitive and profitable in today’s markets, the auto salvage recycling process must involve more than merely crushing wrecked, abandoned, and worn-out motor vehicles. The modern-day auto salvage recycler needs established operating practices that realize the maximum market value of every end-of-life vehicle, as well as providing environmental protection within the community.

In order to improve environmental protection, the Auto Salvage Recyclers Certification Program was developed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). This workbook provides information that the auto salvage recycler needs in this modern age. Utilizing this information will help you better understand the environmental issues, comply with state and federal environmental regulations, and implement best management practices (BMPs) to minimize risks and liabilities. If you discover environmental violations at your business, participation in this program can allow you the opportunity to return to compliance without enforcement penalty. Additionally, auto salvage recycling businesses participating in the Auto Salvage Recyclers Certification Program may be eligible for Indiana Clean Yard Certification if they are in compliance with all regulations.

Download the complete Auto Salvage Recyclers Workbook and Checklist [PDF]

• Introduction
• Instructions
• Section A: Auto Salvage License
• Section B: Fluids Management
• Section C: Oil
• Section D: Underground Storage Tanks
• Section E: Hazardous Waste Management
• Section F: Waste Tire Management
• Section G: Mercury Switches
• Section H: Solid Waste Management
• Section I: Air
• Section J: Water
• Relevant Telephone Numbers
• Relevant Web sites
• Appendices

Time Frame

If you choose to participate, we would like you to submit your completed environmental self-audit checklist, any necessary return-to-compliance (RTC) forms, and the certification statement, within 60 days of receiving this workbook. These forms are located in the appendix of this guide.

Participation

Participation in the program is voluntary. However, all auto salvage recycling facilities should strongly consider participating in the program to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their day-to-day business practices and become better stewards of the environment. Specific advantages of participation include:

• reducing inspection priority;
• making you better prepared for a complaint inspection;
• being placed on a public participation list as an environmental participant;
• the possibility of being certified as an Indiana Clean Yard by IDEM. For more information on this program, see the following section titled “Clean Yard Certification”. You may also call IDEM at (800) 988-7901 or (317) 232-8172 or visit the IDEM Web site for more information;
• priority in receiving information and education on methods of complying with environmental regulations that apply to auto salvage facilities;
• priority in receiving free, confidential technical assistance from IDEM’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance (OPPTA) to comply with environmental regulations and implement best management practices that could result in financial savings; and,
• priority in receiving educational and promotional materials.

Participation in this certification program does not imply that your business will be exempt from random inspections, or inspections prompted by complaints. However, participation in this program will help you identify any issues and prepare your facility in the event of an inspection. You should keep copies of your checklists and any other forms you submit in order to assist you in demonstrating compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.

To assist you in participating in this program, we have included a DVD. This instructional DVD is located on the last page of this workbook. Although use of this DVD is not essential, it is designed to walk you through the information contained in this workbook and may help answer questions you have.

If you would like free, confidential, environmental assistance with this program, you can call IDEM’s Compliance and Technical Assistance Program (CTAP). CTAP staff are available weekdays to answer your environmental questions regarding air, water, and waste regulations, pollution prevention, and recycling. You can call CTAP at (800) 988-7901 or (317) 232-8172.

Not Operating as an Auto Salvage Facility?

If there are no active auto salvage yard operations at your facility address, simply complete, sign, and send the non-applicability statement form to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). The non-applicability statement form can be found in the appendix of this workbook. Please note that all industrial and commercial facilities in the State of Indiana must comply with all applicable environmental regulations, whether or not they are part of this program or any other certification program.

Clean Yard Certification

Eligibility for certification as an Indiana Clean Yard by IDEM is based on your completion of the environmental self-audit checklist and determination that your facility complies with all environmental regulations, holds necessary licenses and approvals, recycles most materials, and is in good standing with all IDEM programs. For more information, call IDEM at (800) 988-7901 or (317) 232-8172 or visit the IDEM Auto Salvage Web site.