Florida DEP's Compliance Assistance Program is designed to improve environmental compliance at a variety of regulated facilities. The program for automotive recyclers includes a self-audit component. A workbook and self-audit checklist are available from DEP to help an auto recycling facility manager evaluate environmental compliance.

Automotive recyclers make it easy for consumers to find clean used parts for all types of vehicles. They play a valuable role by rebuilding, recovering, and reselling usable parts, and recycling materials that cannot be reused in their present form. Even though the generation of wastes may be unavoidable, vehicle recyclers can improve the quality of our environment through good waste management practices. The best way to reduce your liability and to increase your bottom line is to RECYCLE. Be sure to document all recycling and disposal efforts.

Green Yards are a group of automotive recyclers that have demonstrated environmental performance that goes above and beyond regulatory requirements to include using best management practices that help protect the environment.

Facilities that show superior environmental performance may be certified as a Green Yard and fly the Green Yard Flag. The Green Yards Program was developed by DEP in cooperation with the Florida Auto Dismantlers and Recyclers Association (FADRA).

The Compliance Assistance Self-Audit will help managers see if their facility complies with federal and state environmental regulations. The Workbook also includes suggestions to help the auto recycler improve its environmental performance through best management practices.

By using the Self-Audit Workbook and the associated checklist as a do-it-yourself environmental inspection, a manager will be better prepared for a regulatory visit. By keeping the checklist and periodically re-checking processes, facilities will be showing a good-faith effort to maintain compliance.

Other Related Links

 » Removing Mercury from Florida's Auto-Salvage Yards
 » ECAR Center - Environmental Compliance for Automotive Recyclers
 » CCAR Greenlink - Environmental Compliance for the Automotive Industry
 » FADRA - Florida Auto Dismantlers & Recyclers Association
 » Compliance Assistance for Auto Repair
 » ERP - EPA Environmental Results Program
 » Environmental Yellow Pages
 » Other Hazardous Waste Publications for Distribution
 » Hillsborough County Green Yards Program