Developing an Abandoned
Vehicle Cleanup Program
for Tribal Governments
EPA-909-R-09-013

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        Developing an Abandoned Vehicle Cleanup Program for Tribal Governments
The Problem of Abandoned
Vehicles on Tribal Lands

Abandoned vehicles pose an
environmental and human health
threat for many tribes. This document
is a guide for tribal governments on how
to establish and maintain an abandoned
vehicle collection  program.

To initiate a successful program, the
tribal government should work closely
with the community and provide
information on the environmental,
health, and other  hazards associated
with abandoned vehicles.
                                       Abandoned vehicle on tribal land
Environmental and Health Concerns Regarding Abandoned Vehicles

   • Abandoned vehicles are often utilized to store garbage and other refuse,
     which may attract pests and become disease vector breeding grounds.

   • Abandoned vehicles are a visual blight and can be detrimental to local businesses.

   • Abandoned vehicles can be targets of arson and vandalism.

   • Fluids like gasoline/diesel fuel, oil, transmission fluid, and power steering and
     brake fluids can leak, polluting soil, ground water and surface water.

   • Vehicles contain other materials that may harm the environment and should be removed
     and disposed of as municipal waste or hazardous waste before the cars are crushed
     (such as lead-acid batteries and mercury switches).

The table on the following page shows the vehicle components, potential contaminants,
and the proper disposal for each.  Check with your state and local government for any
additional regulations regarding hazardous waste processing, transport, and disposal.

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Table showing Vehicle components, potential contaminants, and proper disposal.
Vehicle Components Potential Contaminant
Switches and lamps
Fluids such as gear oil, power
steering fluid, transmission oil,
brake fluid, used oil
Filters
Lead-acid batteries
Wheel weights
Battery cables
Air conditioning units
Undeployed Air bags
Brake shoes and clutches
Waste tires
Closed Refrigerated Tractor trailers
Mercury
Hydrocarbons, Polyethylene glycol,
solvents, polychlorinated biphenyl
compounds (PCBs)
Fuel, transmission oil, used oil
Lead, battery acid
Lead
Lead
Chlorofluorocarbons, other
refrigerants
Sodium azide
Asbestos
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
Interior is a nitrogen-rich, oxygen
depleted atmosphere
Proper Disposal
Licensed metal recyclerthat
reclaims mercury
Used oil or fluids recycler
Recycle through scrap metal
recycler or landfill
Battery recycler
Lead recycler
Lead recycler
Certified technicians or certified
reclamation facilities
Properly deploy prior to shredding and
scrap with the vehicle Note: Anyone
who detonates air bags should
receive training in order to do so
safely. Another option would be a
tribal rule that mandates air bag
detonation and removal to be
completed by properly trained
contractors.
Certified landfill
Waste-tire processor
Ventilate all tractor trailers prior
to entering
Options for Collecting and Disposing of Abandoned Vehicles on Tribal Lands

The tribe can contract for the abandoned vehicle collection and disposal, or perform all the
collection and processing. When a tribal agency contracts to have the cars crushed and recycled,
it is best to try to contract as far down the recycling chain as possible - with the actual metals
purchaser. Working directly with the metals purchaser often results in receiving the best prices for
the metals; furthermore, the metals purchaser may already have working relationships with vehicle
transporters, crushers, and disposal services. The tribe can include other services in the contract,
based upon the tribe's needs, including:
    • Vehicle transportation
    • Fluid removal
    • Hazardous materials removal (e.g., mercury switches)
Vehicle crushing
Vehicle shredding
Metal recycling

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         Developing an Abandoned Vehicle Cleanup Program for Tribal Governments
NOTE; Tribes may want to ensure that the chosen contractor complies with Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Common options for vehicle collection and disposal include:

Option 1:  Tribe collects and processes vehicles and sells scrap metal to a
metal scrapping company.
   May get a higher price for the scrap
   metal if no services, such as crushing
   the cars or removing fluids, are provided
   by the metal recycler.
Requires trained and experienced tribal
staff to process the vehicles.
Tribe is responsible for proper disposal
of all fluids and hazardous materials.
Option 2: Tribe collects and transports all vehicles and contracts with a metal
recycler for crushing, hazardous waste removal, and recycling.
                                            Cons
   Metals recycler is responsible for all fluid
   removed and disposal.
   Less trained and/or experienced tribal
   staff is required.
The price obtained for scrap metal may
be lower because costs might include
services for crushing cars or removing
fluids.
Option 3: Tribe contracts for all transport, car crushing, hazardous waste removal,
and metal recycling.
   Metals recycler or subcontractor is
   responsible for all activities.
   Tribal staff only needs to provide
   oversight of activities occurring on
   tribal lands.
The cost to pay for all activities may be
greater than the price obtained for the
scrap metal.
NOTE: In some cases it may not be feasible to remove the vehicles in a timely manner. In that case,
a tribe may choose to drain the fluids from the vehicles and remove the hazardous waste, and then
prepare the vehicles for future removal.

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  Resources for Automotive Recycling and Pricing*

  General Information
  •   Call a local scrap metal recycler and  request current prices for heavy and light steel
  •   Recycle Net provides pricing for scrap metal, automotive recycling, and tires and rubber: http://www.
      recycle.net/price/
  •   End-of-Life Vehicle Solutions provides general information and materials: http://www.elvsolutions.
      org/
  •   Demolition Scrap Metal and Salvage News: http://www.demolitionscrapmetalnews.com/

  Recycling Information
  •   Global Recycling Network:  http://www.grn.eom/a/view/2010.html
  •   Recycle IN me :  http://www.recycleinme.com/buyoffers/default.aspx

  Steel Recycling and Prices
  •   Steel Recycling Institute: http://www.recycle-steel.org/
  •   Steel Exchange: http://www.steelchange.eom/a/8005.html
  •   Steel Markets Daily:  http://www.platts.com/Metals/Newsletters&Reports/steeldaily/
  •   Steel on the Net: http://www.steelonthenet.com/prices.html
  •   California Department of Conservation (steel cans, glass, aluminum cans, and plastic): http://www.
      consrv.ca.gov/dor/Notices/Pages/scrap_values.aspx
  •   John Harris, Ferrous Division Director, ArcelorMittal Steeljohn.harris@arcelormittal.com, http://www.
      arcelormittal.com/

  Scrap Metal Recycling and Prices
  •   Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI): http://www.isri.org/
  •   North American Scrap Metal Network: http://www.scrapspot.com/

  * This document was produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 Tribal Solid Waste Program.
  Mention of trade names, products, or services does not convey, and should not be interpreted as conveying official
  EPA approval, endorsement, or recommendation.
Factors Affecting Cost and Revenue

Often the revenue generated from recycling vehicles does not completely cover the collection and
disposal costs. Abandoned vehicle abatement programs may either cost the tribe money or generate
revenue, depending on the following factors:

    •  The price of scrap metal (refer to Resources for Scrap Metal Pricing).
    •  Proximity of the metals recycler to the tribal lands. The further away the metals recycler is,
      the higher the costs of transporting the vehicles.
    •  If the tribe already owns heavy machinery.  Renting or contracting for heavy machinery to
      transport and crush the vehicles can add to costs.

    •  The number of vehicles that are collected. Typically, the  more vehicles the tribe collects, the
      lower the cost. Some auto dismantlers will process and remove vehicles for free or even for
      payment, given enough vehicles. The tribe may want to  guarantee a minimum number of
      vehicles when negotiating with the metals recycler.

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         Developing an Abandoned Vehicle Cleanup Program for Tribal Governments
    • Where the vehicles are found.  If the vehicles are in remote locations or are difficult to
     extract, then removal and transportation costs will be high.

Steps for Collecting and Disposing of Abandoned Vehicles

Tribes have the authority to regulate abandoned vehicles on tribal land. Check with your tribe to
see what tribal codes and ordinances may address abandoned vehicles and what authority the tribe
has to remove them.  If no codes exist, consider working with your tribal government to write codes
specifying how and when vehicles can be collected and removed by the tribe. Conversely, the tribe
may choose to have a completely voluntary program.  These are the basic steps for collecting and
disposing of abandoned vehicles, whether preformed by the tribe or by a contractor.

Step 1: Planning Your Collection Program
    • Establish who will coordinate the program.
    • Determine which components of collection, processing, and disposal the tribe will perform
     and which components the tribe will contract. See Options for Collecting and Disposing of
     Abandoned Vehicles on Tribal Lands on pages 2 and 3 for details on the options available.
    • Develop a standard procedure for identifying and collecting vehicles.
     Things to consider include:
        - Will the tribe accept inoperable vehicles from tribal members' property, as opposed to
         collecting only abandoned vehicles? If so, will there be a charge for collection?
        - How will requests to collect abandoned vehicles be made?  Will there be a hotline?
         Will requests need to be made in writing?
        - How will the tribe document the vehicles collected? (See Step 3: Completing Appropriate
         Paperwork.)
        - Will the tribe need to get permission to enter the property where the vehicles are located?
  NOTE: If the vehicles are not on tribal land, or the metals recycleryou are working with requires
  compliance with state regulations, you may need to consult with your state or local department of
  motor vehicles. Also, a local sheriff's department may be able to determine whether a vehicle belongs
  to a tribal or non-tribal member if they are provided with the vehicle's VIN numbers.
  California:  www.dmv.ca.gov
  •  Requires a lien sale (California Civil Codes 3071 &3072) for abandoned vehicle removed.
  •  How to  conduct a lien sale in California:
     http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr7.htm
  Arizona: www.azdot.gov
  •  Requires an abandoned vehicle inspection or the title to the vehicle for removal.
  Nevada: www.nevadadot.com
  •  Private  landowners must contact local law enforcement and/or towing services for removal of
     an abandoned vehicle.

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Create a health and safety plan for all activities - vehicle collection and storage, fluid removal,
crushing, etc. Prior to initiating activities, hold a safety kick-off meeting to discuss the safety
hazards that the crew may encounter and provide training to staff to ensure proper handling
of equipment, spills, and safe vehicle transport.
                                              Training Ideas for Tribe Staff:
                                              •  40-Hour HAZWOPER
                                              •  Freon/coolant extraction
                                              •  Airbag deployment and removal
                                              •  Heavy machinery operation
      For vehicle collection and storage, include:
         • Animals, reptiles, or insects
         • Dust
         • Sharp edges
      For fluid removal, include:
         • Spills
         • Slippery areas
      For crushing, include:
         • Heavy and sharp objects
    •  Create an outreach plan for the community. An outreach plan should include the health and
      safety risks of abandoned vehicles, specific information about how to request vehicle removal,
      and the dates that the collection and/or car crushing will take place.  For more information on
      creating an effective  outreach plan or program, see the EPA publication Tribal Decision-Mak-
      er's Guide to Solid Waste Management, Chapter 6, Public Education and Community Outreach
      (EPA530-R-03-013), available at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/wyl/tribalguide.htm.
    •  Create a tracking system to record the number of vehicles collected, where they were collected
      from, type of vehicle, whether it was abandoned or donated, etc.

Step 2: Identifying Abandoned Vehicles for Collection
Abandoned vehicles can be identified for collection the following ways:
    •  Owner of the vehicle  requests removal
    •  A community member requests removal of an abandoned vehicle
    •  Tribal staff observes abandoned vehicle
    •  In public right-of-way
    •  In an illegal dump
    •  In open range area

NOTE: The project manager should be aware of how to identify a mobile methamphetamine lab,
and the hazards associated with them. For more information refer to Issue 6 ofEPA's Tribal Waste
Journal (June 2008) entitled METHAMPHETAMINE:  Threatening the Health and Environment of
Tribal Communities (http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/wycd/tribal/pdftxi/twj-6.pdf).

For each abandoned vehicle identified, collect the following basic information, which will be used
in Step 3:
    •  Map coordinates to identify the location of the vehicle
    •  Photograph of vehicle
    •  Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (typically on dash, door, or frame)

NOTE: Advertising your collection event may allow for more active participation from the community.
If the  community is aware of your event they may be able to identify more vehicles for collection and
removal. If the tribe has a  newsletter, newspaper, or radio or television station, use this to advertise
your collection event or program.

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          Developing an Abandoned Vehicle Cleanup Program for Tribal Governments
Step 3: Completing Appropriate Paperwork
The following are tips and examples for documenting collection of the vehicles, but each tribe may
have a slightly different system.

If the owner of the vehicle requests removal
Ask the owner to fill out an authorization form and sign the title of the vehicle over to the tribe (or
contractor) to be scrapped. Inform vehicle owners that it is their responsibility to remove anything
they want from the vehicle, including radios, parts, and/or tires. The authorization form should
include:
    • Does the requestor have a title?
    • Does the requestor own the vehicle? If not, who does?
    • Does the requestor have permission to remove the vehicle?
    • Vehicle make
    • Vehicle model
    • Color
    • Year
    • License Number
    • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (typically on dash, door, or frame)
    • Reason for removal
    • Signature granting the tribe permission to collect, dismantle, and recycle the vehicle(s) listed
                                VEHICLE REMOVAL WORK ORDER FORM
       Requeued By;
       Pbotae Number
                                               Today1* Dwe
       s of vehicles Rntwcwd:
                                                     Alternative ConliKt
                                               AtrttnMiv* Con<Ğ( Phone Ğ-.
       Mats:
       vehicle Identification Murabw (VIN)
                                         VEHICLE INFORMATION
                                         (Complete for Ench Vehicle)
                                    Model              Color
                                                                             Year:
           i for Removal (Circle At Appropriate)
       A. SolonjCT want      11. tn way ofconslniclioti     C' Tiikmj; upipaM    D. Doei not ttxsrk.'ntn  £. OWHCT D*ceai*d
       F. OttDer Incarcerated       G. Odier (OewribeJ
Doe* tU* RĞtĞĞ*iĞr ^ğvĞ Ğ Tid* fĞ i)t< v'ebitl*?       D  Yo
Doe* the Reqoestor owo itt vehicle?              D  Yes
       Does Ilir Rcqiif^tQc have
                                   VĞ- ft e vet ick?
                                                     a N*
                                                     D No
                                                     D Y*s  D No
                         Pltaie providt a map of the vehicle location on site back oftSia Order Form
                   . [NAME]. hĞĞb>- gi
                                            [TRIBAL AUTHORITY NAME] the aafliority to remove (he
                        afler having given It* [TRIBAL AUTHORITY NAME] die ptopei diicaHiiniiaiion
       Auihoriiaiioa Signature:
       Tribal Aolboriry Rqjnrjenlative Sipiatoc
                                                            Date:
                                                            Date:
      [This example is modeled after the Tohono O'Odham Nation's Vehicle Removal Work Order Form.

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If no owner is apparent
  Option 1:  Find out if there is a title (also known as a
  owner to have the title signed over to the tribe.
                                                 'pink slip") for the vehicle. Contact the
                                          Process for Determining Vehicle Ownership
Option 2:  If there is no title, research the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  The VIN should be
searched by the local police department or the state department of motor vehicles to determine
the registered owner of the vehicle or if the vehicle has been stolen.
  •  If the vehicle has been stolen, then it should be impounded or the insurance company should
    be contacted by the local police department.
  •  If the vehicle is not stolen and the individual requesting the vehicle to be removed is not the
    registered owner, or if the vehicle was removed from tribal land with no individual requestor,
    then a letter should be sent
    to the registered owner
    notifying them that their
    car has been found and
    that they have a
    specified period of time
    (usually two weeks) to
    notify the tribal agency
    if the vehicle should be
    scrapped or if they would
    like to claim it.  (Note: If the
    registered owner would like
    to claim the vehicle, they
    should be notified that it is
    their responsibility to trans-
    port/move the vehicle.)
  Option 3: A vehicle is owned
  by someone who is not going
  to return for the vehicle (i.e.,
  the owner has moved or is
  otherwise unavailable) and
  the vehicle has been
  abandoned for a period of time
  as set by the tribe or  tribal
  ordinance, then a tribal
  ordinance may require the
  vehicle to be removed. The
  property owner (if not the tribe)
                                     *This process may vary if there is a Tribal Authority Work Authorization Form
  should sign a wavier asking
  the tribal agency
  to remove the vehicle.

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Developing an Abandoned Vehicle Cleanup Program for Tribal Governments
                                      Vehicle collection by the Tohono O'odham Nation.
                                      The Tribe owns the equipment to collect the vehicle
                                      from where it was abandoned and transport it to a
                                      centralized storage area.
Step 4: Transporting the Vehicles
  • Decide whether the tribe will transport
   the vehicles or if the tribe will contract
   for transportation.
  • Decide whether the vehicles will be
   transported to a central location or
   directly to an auto dismantler. If the
   vehicle does not have tires, check the
   vehicle storage yard for usable tires to
   move the vehicle.

Tips for Choosing a Centralized Storage Area
  • Area should be dry and flat.  Avoid  flood
   plains and areas with a high water table.
   Ideally the area would be lined or have
   concrete pad to prevent fluid releases
   to soil and groundwater.
  • A storage area  should be surrounded
   by fencing and  locked when not in  use.
  • Precautions should be taken to reduce
   vandalism and trespassing.
  • Try to work with other tribal programs
   to share  storage area and equipment.
  • Consider the ease of transporting and
   storing vehicles in this area, as well as
   the machinery that may need to enter
   this area (i.e., vehicle carriers,
   crushers, forklifts, etc.).
  • Provide for proper storage of fluids that
   have been removed from vehicles.

Step 5: Processing the Vehicles
Decide if the tribe will process the vehicles
or if the tribe will contract with the auto
dismantler for processing. Ensure that
either the tribe or contractor has a hazard-
ous waste management plan that describes how the tribe or the contractor will manage waste in
a safe manner and ensures handling of all wastes complies with all applicable federal, state, and
local laws and regulations.  For examples of a Hazardous Waste Management Plan go to:

  • University of Hampshire http://www.unh.edu/ehs/pdf/HWMP.pdf
  • General Mitchell International Airport-Air Reserve Station
   http://www.afcee.af.mil/shared/media/documeni/AFD-070827-068.pdf
                                      Fluid collection at the Hop/' Tribe. The tribe subcontracts
                                      all activities to prepare the vehicles for crushing. Fluids
                                      are removed from the vehicle and placed into secondary
                                      containers. Anti-freeze and oil are recycled.  Mercury
                                      switches are handled and disposed of as hazardous
                                      waste. Gasoline is disposed of by an environmental
                                      waste management service.

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In areas where fluid removal and storage will take place, maintain a spill kit with the following:
 • Absorbent material
 • Oil dry (an oil absorbent)
 • Shovel and broom
 • Disposal bags, extra barrels/drums, or other
   containers
 • Safety glasses
 • Disposable gloves and rubber gloves
 • Rolls of heavy plastic

Prior to crushing,  to process the vehicles:
 • Remove fluids and place them in secondary
   containers. Fluid removal should be
   conducted over areas that are lined and
   covered with sand, or on a concrete pad. If
   possible, remove fluids within a covered area.
   If any spilling or  leakage is encountered, be
   prepared for immediate cleanup and
   containment.  Ensure that appropriate fluid
   removal and handling equipment are used,
   including drip  pans and funnels. After
   removing fluids,  store the fluids in separate
   and appropriate containers (never mix fluids)
   in a designated area that is covered and
   provides for secondary containment.
   Antifreeze, oil, and other lubricants may
   be recycled.
 • Remove the tires from the rims in order to
   recycle the rims  with the vehicles.
When contracting for vehicle processing
and crushing, you may want to request the
following in your Request for Quotation
(RFQ) for the service, in addition to a price
quotation:
 •  Site safety plan
 •  Site cleanup plan
 •  Spill mitigation and prevention plan
 •  Business licenses
 •  Proof of insurance/liability
 •  Crushing and removal plan
 •  Does vendor take refuse?
 •  Does vendor remove oil-stained soils?
 •  How will the contractor handle fluids,
    mercury switches, batteries and tires
 •  Confirmation that all contractors and
    subcontractors have the appropriate
    certifications and licenses (i.e., certifi-
    cation for recovery of air conditioning
    refrigerants, drivers must have a Com-
    mercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B
    drivers license)When reviewing/com-
    paring bids or quotations, determine
    if the metals recycler is a trustworthy
    business, if the metals recycler has a
    green certificate, and compare the fees
    charged or the amount of money of-
    fered for the scrap metal.
 • Remove components that may be recycled (i.e., catalytic converters, batteries).
 • Remove mercury switches, which are handled as hazardous waste and disposed of as hazard-
   ous waste under the tribe or metal recycler's hazardous waste generator identification number,
   as appropriate.
 • Remove and dispose of gasoline tanks.
      •  Fuel should be removed from all tanks.
      •  Fuel tanks must be removed from the vehicles prior to crushing.
      •  Allow fuel tanks to completely dry and fully ventilate.
      •  Store fuel tanks on a curbed intact concrete surface that is well ventilated and protected
         from rainfall.
      •  Work with your metals recyclers to determine the best method to dispose of or recycle the
         fuel tanks.

NOTE;  When processing the vehicles, you should track amounts of waste processed and fluids
removed, so that that information can be used in Step 8.  You may wish to create a database to
organize this information.

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       Developing an Abandoned Vehicle Cleanup Program for Tribal Governments
Step 6: Crushing the Vehicles
If crushing occurs on tribal land it should
take place over an appropriately lined or
concrete area.  Arrange for a large dumpster
to be placed in the vehicle storage yard for
placement of loose metals. Try to plan crush-
ing activities during mild weather conditions,
since weather (rain, snow, and high tempera-
tures) can increase the risk for spills and other
health  hazards. Post a sign on the fence of the
vehicle storage  yard stating the following:
  • "No Trespassing"
  • The name of the tribal authority
  • Contact information, including a phone
   number

Step 7; Cleanup
If the crushing occurs at the metal recycler, no cleanup plan is needed. However, if the vehicles
are collected and crushed on  tribal land, ensure that a cleanup plan is followed.
Vehicle crushing by the Hop/' Tribe. The crusher is
contracted by the Tribe and arrives to crush
vehicles collected in a centralized location.
To reduce cleanup needs crushing should take
place over drip pads or other absorbent material.
A cleanup plan should include the
following:
  • How to address leaks and spills from fluid
   removal and crushing activities.
  • General operating procedures for
   maintaining clean collection and
   crushing areas.
  • Procedures for cleaning up the crushing
   area after each crushing event.
  • If crushing occurs over sand on top of a
   protective liner, include procedures for
   removal and disposal of the  sand while
   maintaining the protective liner integrity.
  • If crushing occurs over concrete, include
   procedures for cleanup of fluids from the
   concrete surface  (i.e., what sorbent mate-
   rial will be used, how it will be disposed).
   Include procedures for inspecting the con-
   crete for cracks.
  • Include procedures for the cleanup of
   other hazards such as broken glass, metal
   shards, and scrap tires.
  • Consider other procedures that many be
   site-specific.
     Vehicle cleanup at the Hop! Tribe
 Vehicles are sorted
Stacked on a transport vehicle
 Vehicles being transported to the metals
 recycler/purchaser

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Step 8: Evaluation, Record Keeping, and Reporting
Evaluation
Evaluate your program to provide information for future abandoned vehicle collection events.
Consider evaluating each step of the process for:
  • What was successful,
  • What could be improved, and
  • What might you do differently in the future?

Record Keeping
Record keeping is valuable in case questions arise about individual vehicles. Keep all records
from the collection program in a central place. Determine who is in charge of keeping records
and how long they must be kept. For example, the tribal administration office may be in charge
of keeping records for a minimum of 3 years. Records should include:
  • Number of vehicles removed and from where vehicles were removed
  • Vehicle licenses or identification numbers
  • Vehicle removal forms
  • Copies of any and all contracts for hauling, crushing and metals recycling
  • Copies of the outreach plan, health and safety plan, and the cleanup plan
  • Program  evaluation document

Reporting
Once the program is complete, make sure you report the success of the program to the
community, to the tribal council, and to any agency that may have contributed funds to the
cleanup.  Reporting may include the number of vehicles removed, tons of metal recycled and
gallons of fluids properly recycled or disposed of. Keeping the community informed about the
program is important to build community and tribal government support for future collection
events. Developing education and outreach materials to be distributed before, during, and after
the collection event could be beneficial to the program, especially if the program is conducted
throughout the year.

Glossary of Terms
abandoned vehicle
auto dismantler
centralized storage area
contaminants
disposal
environmental waste
management service
fluid removal
Any vehicle previously used for transportation that is no longer in working condition
and left along the roadside, in open areas, or on private property.
A person who carries on the business of demolishing or dismantling motor vehicles,
parts, or accessories for motor vehicles.
An area where the tribal authority stores collected vehicles, that can be managed and
secured, typically on property owned and operated by the tribal authority and near
tribal offices.
Any chemical of concern that has been released to the environment, and may pose
a threat to human health and the environment.
The method of getting rid of an object.
A company that collects and recycles or disposes of chemicals of concern, such as
used oil and spent solvents.
The draining and collection of all fluids from a vehicle, including, but not limited to
fuel, oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.

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Developing an Abandoned Vehicle Cleanup Program for Tribal Governments
green certificate
hazardous waste
inoperable vehicle
junk vehicle
metal recycler
municipal waste
pink slip
registered owner
salvage vehicle
scrap metal
secondary container
spill kit
title
vehicle collection
vehicle crusher
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN Number)
vehicle owner
vehicle shredding
vehicle transporter
A company that is certified to offer green and renewable services to their clients.
Any waste listed by EPA as hazardous or any waste that is ignitable, corrosive,
reactive, or toxic.
See "abandoned vehicle."
See "abandoned vehicle."
A person or company whose primary business is that of compacting, shredding, or
otherwise processing metals for resmelting, recycling, or resale.
A waste type that includes predominantly domestic waste.
See "title."
Refers to the person who has right of possession of the vehicle, as opposed to the
party who owns the property where it sits. Also, the person whose name is listed
on the vehicle title.
See "abandoned vehicle."
Any metal that is discarded and suitable for reprocessing.
A structure that contains the primary container. In the instance of a spill or leak,
the secondary container would contain the hazardous material stored in the primary
container.
Kit that provides for containing, removing, and disposing of spilled vehicle fluids and
quickly cleaningand containing the spill site. Spill kits may include spill pans and
other absorbent material, safety equipment (i.e., gloves, eye protection), and a
container for placing used absorbent material.
A legal form that establishes a person or business as the legal owner of a vehicle.
The collection of abandoned vehicles located throughout tribal lands, to be stored in
a central location or transported to a vehicle crusher and metals recycler.
Machine that compacts the vehicle in preparation for recycling. Often vehicles are
crushed before being transported off-site.
A unique serial number used to identify individual motor vehicles.
The person who owns the vehicle. In the case of abandoned vehicles this may or may
not be the legal owner of the vehicle (i.e., person whose name is on the title), but the
owner of the property on which the vehicle was abandoned.
Vehicle shredders are machines that perform two primary tasks, shredding and
separation. The shredding process chops the vehicle into small pieces no larger than
a fist. Once shredded, the pieces are separated according to material type (various
metals, glass, heavy rubber, and plastic).
A tractor trailer that can safely transport vehicles. This may be used to
collect abandoned vehicles on tribal lands or to transport vehicles to the
metals recycler or vehicle crusher and shredder.

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EPA Region 9 Waste Management Division contact information:

                    Office Manager
                     415-947-8708

                        WST-7
                  75 Hawthorne Street
                San Francisco, CA 94105

              Email: baker.michelle@epa.gov

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