Auto Shredder Fights Opposition

When RPM Recycling opened an auto shredding facility on nine acres in Wind Gap, Pa., last May, some residents complained that the facility damaged the quality of life issue in the area. Local press reports noted that some residents in the area had protested the construction of a Wal Mart store, forcing that retail giant to move elsewhere.

The shredder itself was not one of the "mega shredders" that have created the big stir. The system is a much smaller 60-inch by 85-inch American Pulverizer 2,000 horsepower system, far smaller than many of the systems that might top 8,000 horsepower. Along with the auto shredder RPM has a downstream system supplied by Eriez Magnetics.

However, the opening of the auto shredder was far worse for many of the people. Adding to the problem, during the first few months of operation a number of explosions rocked the area. The explosions were likely caused by propane tanks and other flammable materials that were left in the vehicle when they went into the shredder. The result was apprehension on the part of many residents.

Joe Raimo, president of RPM says that many of these residents had a right to be concerned. This, despite the fact that the auto shredder was in an industrial park and complied with all requirements by the local government entities. To remedy the problem RPM purchased a Volvo excavator with thumbs. This piece of equipment, that cost around $160,000, was used to tear open up all the vehicles’ cavities to ensure that there were no explosives contained in the vehicles.

While cautioning that the company can’t guarantee that there won’t be any explosions, over the past several months, since they purchased the excavator, there haven’t been the problems with explosions that plagued the auto shredder during the first few months of operation.

The company also says that it meets all noise issues, has invested money to reduce the dust problem, including paving over a dirt road that leads to the auto shredder. In fact, the company says that the noise level is far lower than what is allowable under local ordinances.

Water run-off problems also have been addressed with a system that includes a double system oil/water separator and a two acre pond to prevent storm water runoffs, which cost around $200,000.

The facility takes in roughly 350 automobiles a day. Noel Perin, a co-owner of RPM, says that roughly 40 trucks enter the site every day, far fewer than many of the other businesses in the general area. The company is scouting out the possibility of putting a rail siding on the site.

Perin also says that when they went before the local government the only question they have were whether the shredder would also shred automobile batteries, which the company said was not in the plans.

Despite complying with the ordinances, Perin adds that the company has spent more than $1 million on safety issues, and the facility itself stresses the cleanliness of the facility.

The shredder typically operates between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.