Important pollution prevention challenges faced by the salvage industry include preventing the release of liquid hazardous materials such as oils and lead-acid battery contents into the soils, groundwater, and surface waters, and the release of air conditioning refrigerants such as chloroflorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere. Contamination can occur at many stages of salvage operations. Soil, groundwater and air contamination can occur during vehicle disassembly and fluid drainage operations. Contamination can also result from improper parts, fluids and refrigerant storage.

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, in cooperation with regional Solid Waste Management Districts and Alliances, put together a program to assist Vermont's auto salvage yard operators with understanding and complying with environmental regulations. As part of the program, eight workshops were held across the state. A Best Management Practices (BMP) Guide [PDF, 202KB] was developed to help auto salvage yards reduce their environmental impacts and liability. A number of fact sheets were also developed that are designed to assist operators with environmental compliance issues. All of the materials developed for the program are available on the resource page.

ALERT! Beware of stolen goods.  Thieves know metal prices are on the rise and are on the prowl for beer kegs, copper wire, catalytic converters, and other metal products. The VT State Police have asked that you not accept or pay for any suspicious scrap metal. Please report license plate numbers to your local Police Department of those trying to sell you suspicious metals.