In addition, the average vehicle accounts for more than a ton of recyclable metals and materials. They also contain toxic materials and hazardous fluids that are strictly regulated. Licensed dismantlers are required to properly remove, collect and manifest most of these materials and fluids including mercury switches, tires and batteries. The 360,000 vehicles that are unaccounted for represent nearly two million tires and two million gallons of hazardous fluids that are more than likely improperly handled and disposed of. Industry data estimates that the cost differential per vehicle for a properly licensed and regulated auto dismantler versus a non-licensed dismantler operating in the underground economy is $264 per vehicle. For an average sized auto dismantler processing 500 vehicles per year this adds up to an annual cost difference for the business of $132,000 versus the unlicensed dismantler operating in the underground economy.

Vehicle Dismantler Industry Strike Team The VDIST conducted 24 enforcement operations in the state from July 2017 to December 2018. The DMV-led operations included participation from state environmental and tax departments, boards, and local law enforcement. The VDIST opened a total of 706 cases during this time, 605 of which were for unlicensed automobile dismantling.

So far, these cases have led to 369 citations for violation of unlicensed automobile dismantler laws and other associated crimes. AB-238 is intended to simply extend the sunset on the Vehicle Dismantler Industry Strike Team for three years.

The State of California Auto Dismantlers Association (SCADA) represents approximately 150 small businesses throughout California. SCADA was formed in 1959 to serve its members in the area of government relations, education, and business. SCADA members are licensed by the state Department of Motor Vehicles and take responsibility for recycling and disposing of End-of-Life Vehicles using environmentally responsible practices.

AB 1868 Supporters in 2016 and likely supporters of AB 238: State of California Automobile Dismantlers Association Automotive Recyclers Association LKQ Corporation Association of Deputy District Attorneys

Association of Environmental Health Administrators

Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs

California Coastkeeper Alliance Californians Against Waste California Association of Code Enforcement Officers California

California Auto Dismantlers Recyclers Alliance Coalition for Clean Air DTSC - Independent Review Panel Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries

LKQ Corporation Los Angeles Police Protective League

Pick-N-Pull Riverside Sheriff’s Association San Diego County Auto Recyclers Association Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. Valley Automotive Dismantlers Association

54 // March-April 2019

Automotive Recycling

ENFORCEMENT