N.H. Agency Recognizes Auto Salvage Yard for Environmental Successes

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services recently recognized Epping Auto Salvage, Epping, N.H., for becoming a certified N.H. Green Yard, a distinction reserved for auto salvage yards that use exemplary environmental work practices. The requirements for becoming a "Certified N.H. Green Yard" were developed by DES, working with the N.H. Auto & Truck Recyclers Association. The program is one of several initiatives the DES is implementing to improve environmental performance at auto salvage yards and provide incentive for going beyond compliance.

Only 15 percent of the known auto salvage yards in New Hampshire have received the recognition.

Epping Auto Salvage is a three-generation owned and managed auto salvage business. "Modern auto recycling can be clean and profitable. Becoming a Certified Green Yard should be the goal of every auto salvage yard in the state," said Ted Toth, one of the owners of the company. "Citizens depend on properly run auto salvage yards to recover and recycle the hazardous materials found in automobiles because a well-run yard can prevent spills that have the potential to pollute the surrounding environment."

The DES has been working with over 150 auto salvage yards throughout the state to improve environmental practices and to bring them into compliance with existing state and federal environmental requirements.

According to NHATRA President Jeff Kantor, New Hampshire's auto salvage yards recycle over 50,000 end-of-life vehicles yearly. "Our association is working hard to change the negative view many people have of the auto salvage industry. For example, many people don't realize that auto recyclers typically recover and recycle, by weight, 85 percent of the material content of a motor vehicle, making automobiles the number one consumer product being recycled today. Now, when you see a Certified N.H. Green Yard flag at a salvage yard, you will know the owner is helping to take care of New Hampshire's environment."

For more information and to find out about becoming a Certified N.H. Green Yard, contact Pamela Hoyt-Denison, N.H. Green Yard Program coordinator, at (603) 271-2938 or Pamela.Hoyt-Denison@des.nh.gov, and visit the DES website www.des.nh.gov/sw/GreenYards/.