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Recyclers News Press
Environmental Standard 1
All automotive fluids are properly removed and
managed as part of the dismantling procedure
and/or prior to crushing the vehicles. Evacuated
fluids include fuel, used oils and antifreeze.
The fluid evacuation process at a salvage yard gener-
ates the most problematic wastes of any automotive
recycling activity. All fluids, whether they are waste or
reusable product, pose certain risks if introduced to
the environment. Proper handling, storage and dis-
posal of automotive fluids such as fuel, antifreeze and
used oil, which includes transmission, brake and other
fluids, is key to minimizing exposure to the environ-
ment.
Keeping waste types segregated is the best means to
compliance and the least expensive way to dispose of
the waste. Most regulations pertain to the storage and
disposal of wastes. Many automotive wastes have
been exempt from more stringent regulation to en-
courage recycling and to streamline the management
of commonly generated wastes.
Environmental Standard 2
Used oils, including crank case motor oil and
brake, transmission, power steering, rear axle
housing and hydraulic fluids, are managed ac-
cording to the used oil management standards.
Used oil that has not been mixed with hazardous
waste is exempt from hazardous waste regulation
provided it is recycled or burned for energy recovery.
The use of used oil or oily waste for dust suppression
purposes is specifically banned.
Containers must be clearly marked “Used Oil.”
Environmental Standard 3
Evacuated fuel is managed as a usable product or
properly disposed of as a hazardous waste if not
useable.
Evacuated Fuel from automobiles generally does not
become a waste unless it has been contaminated or
has become unsuitable for use in an automobile en-
gine due to its chemical degradation (varnished). If
the fuel is contaminated with material that can be fil-
tered out, do so. If gasoline has become varnished,
try using it in small two-cycle or four-cycle engines
(for example, lawn mowers), or dilute it with clean fuel
for use. Low-grade recovered fuel may be recycled or
sold to a fuel recovery service.
Environmental Standards
Iowa—Certified Auto Recyclers Environmental Program
I-CARE
78.8 percent of Iowans get their drinking water
from groundwater sources; only six states rely
more on groundwater for a drinking source.
Wells are susceptible to contamination from
improper use or disposal of used oils, fuels,
antifreeze and other automotive fluids.
