M8103 - Junk dealers, auto wrecking, auto salvage

Operational Details
Junk dealers purchase small quantities of various metals, wood, plastic and other useable products that are no longer saleable in their present state. When purchased the material is stockpiled, in kind, in a compound, it is then sold in bulk to steel foundries or scrap metal dealers.

Auto wreckers purchase old vehicles that no longer have any street value and haul them to their business, where they remove any saleable parts, and crush the bodies of the vehicles, selling bundles of crushed car bodies to scrap metal dealers, or foundries.

Auto salvage is undertaken by some employers who have specialized in removing automotive parts such as fuel pumps, generators, alternators, transmissions, rear ends, dashboards, door handles, and body parts that are not damaged. Usually the parts are removed by semi-skilled workers, However, a mechanic or welder may also be employed.

In some cases, the customer may be allowed to remove parts on their own, as is the case with pick-a- part businesses. The advantage of this method is the cost of the part is cheaper. However, since most customers do not have the necessary skills or equipment, the more traditional automotive salvage business sells the parts in a store front and the customer does not have to go into the yard.

SIC Codes
000000580 - Auto wrecking/auto salvage
000000939 - Junk dealer