Indiana Agency Offers Program for Auto Recyclers

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has announced that the auto salvage and recycling company Pull-A-Part will be the first facility inducted into the agency’s new "Indiana Clean Yard" environmental recognition program.

The IDEM has worked with Automotive Recyclers of Indiana, Inc. to develop the new recognition program to reward auto salvage yard operators that meet certain requirements.

"I am pleased to see companies like Pull-A-Part help lead the industry down a better path," said Thomas Easterly, IDEM’s commissioner. "This is a great example of how we can work with a particular business sector and help them find ways to improve their process while protecting Hoosiers and our environment."

"Pull-A-Part is proud to achieve the Indiana Clean Yard - Gold Level award," said Steve Levetan, senior VP, Pull-A-Part. "We believe that we need to look at how we do business today and how it will affect future generations. Protecting the environment is a vital part of our sustainability."

To pursue Indiana Clean Yard recognition, auto salvage yards begin by contacting IDEM for an environmental self-evaluation checklist. After correcting any problems as determined by the checklist, the yard becomes eligible for IDEM's Indiana Clean Yard award. If the facility meets additional requirements, they can receive the Indiana Clean Yard - Gold Level status. Achieving the highest certification level signifies that the auto salvage facility has gone beyond environmental regulations to show that they care about the community and are committed to protecting the environment.

IDEM launched its current initiative for auto salvage facilities in 2007 with a State Innovative Grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. IDEM staff members have since conducted hundreds of inspections around the state to help steer Indiana's 650-plus auto salvage recyclers toward better environmental stewardship and encourage their compliance.

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