Green Yards

In winter 2006, NH DES hosted five workshops for municipal officials focusing on new legislation affecting auto salvage facilities and junkyards. The law states that local officials must require applicants for a town-issued "junkyard" license to self-certify that they are operating their facility in compliance with environmental regulations. NH DES developed various tools to help both local officials and salvage yard operators properly implement the self-certification process, including a compliance checklist, workbook, and sample self-certification form. Over 200 people, representing over 100 towns, attended the workshops.

In 2008, NH DES hosted four workshops throughout the state for local officials to meet their responsibilities for licensing auto salvage yards. In addition to these workshops, NH DES hosted eight workshops throughout the state for local officials and auto salvage yards to learn how to inspect facilities for compliance with best management practices (BMPs). Auto salvage yards are required by state law to certify that they are complying with the BMPs when they apply for a license from their town each year by April 1, 2008.

The New Hampshire Green Yards web page, covers the Green Yards Program, describes the steps in auto recycling, and discusses environmental concerns and best management practices related to salvage yards.