Processing End-of-Life Vehicles: A Guide for Vehicle Salvage Profit and Safety in the U.S.-Mexico Border Area Important Waste Components Always remove these three waste components first. Waste Batteries Refrigerants Remove the battery from a vehicle first. Doing so allows for the safe handling of other materials. Stack batteries no more than two high and place cardboard or plywood between each stack. Be careful not to crack the battery casing. Store batteries in a dry place away from moisture. Next, refrigerants are recovered using a portable pump and tank. Pumps come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing that is common to most types is the hoses that connect to the vehicle are color-coded to distinguish the inlet hose from the outlet hose. (See legend below.) Waste batteries stacked two rows high on pallet. Waste Fuel Waste fuel removal pump and containment tank. Then remove fuel in a well- ventilated area using a suction system specifically designed for fuel removal. Do not use plastic hand pumps, as they can build up a static electrical charge and cause a fire or explosion. Store waste fuel separately in clearly-marked containers. Left: Refrigerant removal pump and containment tanks. Right: Removal system connected to salvage vehicle. Hose connecting refrigerants pump to tank » Outlet hose connected to refrigerants pump e> Inlet hose connected to refrigerants pump Waste Fluids Waste oils include many fluids, such as engine, transmission, power steering, differential, and brake fluid. These fluids can be combined and stored together and should be clearly labeled. Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid must be stored separately and should also be clearly labeled. Waste fluids can be stored in a metal or plastic container with a secure lid. Left: Waste oil containers. Bottom Left: Waste antifreeze container. Right: Worker removing waste fluids using hand pump. Lead is used in wheel weights and battery cable ends. Keep lead wastes separate from other waste components. Lead parts have value. You can sell lead parts to a smelter or recycler. Left: Lead wheel weight. Right: Lead battery terminal. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ^ ;;—Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery SEMARNAT EPA530-R-15-007 0/VTER>^' epa.gov/border2020 Anti-lock Brake Mercury ABS g-force sensors consist of two or three mercury switches embedded in a plastic case. The sensor modules are about 2 to 3 inches long and 1 Vi to 2 inches wide. They are mounted with two or three screws. The sensors can be found in many places, but are often found on the drive tunnel, below the rear seat on the floor pan, and on the left frame rail directly below the driver. Modules Containing Examples of anti-lock brake modules and graphic of automobiles showing where they are commonly located. Mercury Convenience Switches Most vehicle model years before 2003 contain mercury convenience switches. Workers need to look for them under of the vehicle hood or trunk and in the passenger side vanity mirror. The mercury is usually contained in a metal capsule. Audi and Volvo models have fragile glass switches that require special care when handling. Left: Typical size of a mercury containing capsule removed from switch. Right: Glass-type mercury switch. ------- |