FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2003
CONTACT: Jeff Prather, (407) 893-7860
                    Lu Burson, (407) 893-3323

DEP Recognizes Florida's First “Green Yards”

--Automotive recyclers working for cleaner environment--

ORLANDO - Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) raised the flag and certified two automotive recyclers as Florida’s first Green Yards. Orlando’s Michael Auto Parts and Winter Garden’s Budget Auto Parts are the first to complete an industry program that protects Florida’s environment.

“The Green Yards program benefits both business and the environment,” said DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein. “By becoming the State’s first, Michael Auto Parts and Budget Auto Parts are leaders within their industry and communities.”

In an industry known for environmental challenges, the Green Yards pilot program helps automotive recyclers understand and comply with environmental regulations. After attending an educational workshop, facility operators are required to submit a series of six modules documenting compliance. Of the 69 salvage yards in Orange County, 55 have signed up for the Green Yards program and 25 have completed all the compliance modules.

“The partnership formed with DEP has been extremely beneficial to our industry,” said Mike Gagle, President of Florida’s Automotive Dismantlers and Recyclers Association. “We want to make sure that all automotive recyclers in the State operate in a manner that is safe for the environment.”

Automotive recyclers that achieve Green Yards designation demonstrate environmental compliance with over 35 best management practices that range from proper container labeling to developing and implementing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Orange County Environmental Protection Department and automotive industry representatives today joined DEP to recognize Michael Auto Parts and Budget Auto Parts as Green Yards at separate designation ceremonies.

DEP Central District Director Vivian Garfein presents Bill Rutherford, Budget Auto Parts, with the Green Yards flag for successful completion of the Green Yards Program.

 

 

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