Vehicle Crusher

ECAR Fact Sheet for Delaware
Vehicle Crusher

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

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The following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the review process here. Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you.

What You Need to Know

The main environmental concern in vehicle crushing operations is letting any fluids still in the vehicle get away from you. If fluids are allowed to drain into the soil, or to get into a drain where they are not supposed to be, you could be in for trouble. And even if the fluids are contained in the crushing area, you need to be sure stormwater won't wash them away.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage vehicle crushing activities. You can access the guidance for vehicle crushing under "Other Relevant Resources."

If the fluids are hazardous wastes, special handling and disposal rules will apply to them.

Regulations

There are no environmental regulations that specifically govern the design and operation of vehicle crushing operations. However, if vehicle crushing is not performed properly, vehicle fluids will drain to the soil, which is prohibited. Also, allowing vehicle fluids to be carried away by stormwater is prohibited. Therefore, auto-recycling facilities should implement the best management practices listed below to help prevent these types of environmental violations from occurring at their vehicle crushing operations.

Fluids collected during oil crushing operations should be managed as hazardous waste unless a hazardous waste determination has been made that proves that the fluids are non-hazardous. A hazardous waste determination involves collecting samples of the fluid and having the samples analyzed at a laboratory.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to hazardous waste determinations and management.

Delaware's Hazardous Waste Management Requirements

Federal EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Self-Audit Checklist

When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things he or she checks to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit" and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page).

Use the following list to audit your vehicle crusher management procedures.

Do vehicle fluids escape to the soil from vehicle crushing operations? Verify that the soil surrounding vehicle crushing operations does not show signs of vehicle fluid spills. If there are signs of fluid spills, such as stained soil or dead vegetation, then remediation may be necessary.
Are fluids generated from vehicle crushing properly managed and disposed of? Verify that fluids were properly managed and disposed/recycled as hazardous waste or that a hazardous waste determination was made that indicates it is a non-hazardous waste. If the waste is non-hazardous, verify that it is properly managed.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Most regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don't explain how to do it. That's where "best management practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs are recommended for vehicle crusher management procedures.

After all the fluids have been removed, the vehicle should be crushed on a coated or lined concrete pad or surface with spill controls including drip pans and absorbents.
Any liquid wastes that drain from crushing onto the pad should be drained into a sump or oil/water separator and the material managed with the used oils.
You will want to ensure that the contract crushers you hire clean the crusher regularly by wiping off accumulated oil and grease and removing dirt and debris from the crushing area. This prevents pollution run-off caused by rain or melting snow.
Vehicles should be adequately drained prior to crushing in order to minimize the volume of waste fluids to manage. Fluids such as fuel, used oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, etc. should be stored in separate containers that are clearly labeled. Vehicle crushers should be situated on a bermed or self-contained impervious surface, preferably under a roof and protected from the weather. The floor surface should be sloped to contain fluids. Position crushers toward the center of the surface or concrete pad rather than along the edge.
Mobile crushers should always be situated on an impervious surface or heavy duty plastic sheeting. Containers designed to be fitted to the crusher can help capture fluids.
Maintain disposal receipts from mobile crusher operators for all wastes generated and transported off-site for disposal.

Contacts

For more information, contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Air and Waste Management, Hazardous Waste Program at 302-739-3689.
To report an emergency spill or leak, call the DNREC 24-hour Release Reporting Hotline at 800-662-8802, or 302-739-5072 (business hours), or the National Response Center at 800-424-8802. Releases by transporters must be reported by calling the 24-hour hotline at 800-662-8802, or the DNREC at 302-739-3689 or 302-739-4580.
To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office, or call the Toll-Free 24-Hour Environmental Complaint Line.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

Hazardous Wastes

Other Relevant Resources

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