Auto Dismantler Recognized with Award

The state of Washington’s Department of Ecology has awarded Spalding Auto Parts, a Spokane auto dismantler and recycling facility, its Environmental Excellence Award.

Flora Goldstein, the DOE’s acting regional directory, said that the owners of the facility have done an outstanding job of preventing pollution from leaching into the environment.

"I have a long list of what the Spaldings do well," Goldstein told the

chamber members.  "They've gone above and beyond common practices and state requirements by designing their own vehicle and parts racking system and by using new computer technology that helps them recycle parts all over the

world."

The company also removes mercury switches from vehicles and disposes of them properly, which is something that few similar businesses do. Removing mercury sources from the environment is a high priority for the Department of Ecology because it is particularly toxic and harmful to humans and animals.

"Nearly everything they get a hold of is recycled or re-used, including car parts and hazardous wastes," Goldstein said. "This is the ultimate in conserving resources."