Green Tips for Automotive Recyclers

Auto Recyclers' Golden Rules

"Do's", "Don'ts" and "Only if's"

Green Auto Recycling Resources

List of Certified Florida Green Yards

DEP Contact Information

Auto Recyclers' Golden Rules- 12 important activities for Green Auto Recycling

By addressing the 12 activities below, you will be well on your way toward becoming a Green Auto Recycler.

New arrivals are checked for fluid leaks and batteries are removed.
Core storage areas are regularly checked to make sure fluids are not leaking onto the ground or exposed to rainwater.
Used oil tanks/containers are labeled "Used oil" and inspected regularly for good condition.
Antifreeze tanks/containers are labeled as "Good antifreeze" or "Waste antifreeze" and inspected regularly for good condition.
Gasoline tanks/containers are labeled "Good gasoline" or "Waste gasoline" and inspected regularly for good condition.
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) has been developed and implemented, if required.
Batteries are stored inside on a pallet or outside in a leak-proof container away from traffic areas.
Refrigerant recovery machines (R12 and R134a) are in working condition and in good repair.
All drums and storage containers are marked with proper contents- NO mystery drums.
Disposal records for used oil, waste gasoline, batteries, refrigerant, etc. are maintained in order at a central location on site for a minimum of 3 years.
Spills are addressed immediately and any contaminated soils are removed quickly and stored in a separate, labeled container.
Waste tires are stored in a central location and never allowed to exceed 1500.

Aqueous Parts Washers are environmentally friendly.
Try citrus oil or baking soda to kill mosquito larvae in water collecting in tires.
Keep containers closed except when adding or removing wastes. This includes the bung.
Do check with your local solid waste authority to ensure oily solid wastes can be disposed of in the trash.
Treat Florescent Light bulbs as hazardous waste- they contain mercury.

Don't dispose of used absorbents, contaminated soils, or used shop towels in cars to be crushed or shredded.
Don't flush wastewater from your pressure washing or floor cleaning activities down a storm drain or into the soil!
Don't store more than 1500 tires -- unless you have the proper permit.

Lead acid batteries are exempt from hazardous waste regulations only if they are recycled or returned to a battery manufacturer and documentation is maintained.
Petroleum products can be mixed with used oil only if they have not been mixed/contaminated with hazardous wastes such as solvents, brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner.