Calif. Auto Recyclers Receive Award from State

The best practices were developed in collaboration with Sustainable Conservation, a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization, and have achieved widespread industry adoption because they are practical, cost-effective and environmentally sound. Through education and audits, the Partners in the Solution program now covers all 179 SCADA members around the state.

Art Baggett, former chairman and current member of the State Water Resources Control Board, said, "SCADA has taken a leadership role in promoting safe and environmentally sound vehicle recycling practices. Their Partners in the Solution program is a powerful model for other industries and other states to follow."

California auto recyclers dismantle approximately 650,000 out-of-service vehicles per year and recycle about 90 percent of them. They recycle about 75 percent of the steel and other parts from each vehicle, which keeps this material out of landfills. If they follow the SCADA requirements for responsible recycling, they can effectively keep mercury and other contaminants from reaching waterways.

Ashley Boren, executive director of Sustainable Conservation said, “Without sound auto recycling practices, end-of-life vehicles can be a source of hazardous pollutants such as mercury, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc through storm water runoff. Fluids such as engine oil, transmission fluid and antifreeze are of particular concern because they contain a large amount of these metals. And, the vehicles are usually handled outside, where they can be exposed to rain and storm water.”

California Department of Toxic Substances Control estimates that the end-of-life vehicles shredded annually in California contain a total of 0.75 to 1.5 tons of mercury, which could be released into the environment during the recycling process or later when nonmetallic waste “fluff” is disposed at non-hazardous waste landfills -- if auto recyclers do not handle the materials properly.