Many people have heard the saying, “Go for Gold!” Generally, this saying is understood by most people. Gold is the color of highest achievement; for example, when a person wins the highest recognition in an event, they win the gold medal. To achieve gold one must go above and beyond the rest. In the automotive recycling industry, one must look to the Indiana Clean Yard program in order to achieve gold.
The Indiana Clean Yard Program was first introduced as a way to encourage businesses within the automotive recycling industry to protect both the environment, and the community surrounding the company. The intention of the program is to allow salvage recyclers to monitor the environmental conditions on their own and fix any problems that may arise.
Just like receiving the gold medal in an event, receiving the Indiana Clean Yard status takes dedication and work. Eligibility for certification as an Indiana Clean Yard is based on determining that your facility fulfills environmental regulations, holds necessary licenses and approvals, and maintains an effective recycling program. To determine if the facility complies with all of the regulations they must conduct a self-evaluation as well as complete the Auto Salvage Recyclers Certification Program Environmental Checklist. After the yard signs the Certification Statement the form is submitted to IDEM where they will reconfirm the company’s commitment to being an Indiana Clean Yard. After this procedure, the yard can be officially congratulated on being the newest Indiana Clean Yard.
But, we’re not finished. To receive Gold status a yard must go above and beyond. Gold level yards are reserved for auto salvage operations that not only meet the criteria to be an Indiana Clean Yard, but have made an even greater commitment to environmental protection. In order to be considered Gold level a facility must implement the best management practices that will sustain environmental protection as well as maintain an effective program for all the scrap that they generate. After an IDEM representative reviews the company’s management practices program for scrap, comes out to conduct a thorough inspection of the yard and asks additional questions the yard will move to being a Gold Level Yard.
The Indiana Clean Yard Program has great benefits for the business, the community and the government. Businesses will run clean and productive facilities, the community feels secure knowing that the business in their community has met the requirements to protect the environment and the government will be able to focus on other significant environmental problems. Going for Gold may take hard work and dedication, but victory is always sweet.
I feel like people aren't aware of how much of an environmental waste it is when your car just sits in your front or back yard, broken down. Perhaps I'm biased because I work for an auto recyclers in Phoenix AZ. But I still think we could be doing something productive with those materials and parts. Thanks.
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