Historically, most operations were located outside of developed areas, although a few operations do exist within the boundaries of the cities of Winnipeg and Brandon.

The Rural Municipality of Springfield has many operations within its industrial zone adjacent to the City of Winnipeg but isolated from the municipality by the Winnipeg Floodway. Many of these operations were transplanted from the City of Winnipeg.

An older average vehicle age and the high cost of repairs due to the expertise required to repair the newer complex vehicles has increased the numbers of insurance write-offs. These factors and consumer awareness of recycled auto parts have contributed to more salvage vehicles being available to the industry which has created a larger potential for environmental concerns.



 Industry and government have cooperatively established these guidelines of responsible and environmentally safe procedures and practices.

1) Purpose of the guidelines:

• The purpose of the guidelines is to set operating standards and procedures for the automotive recycling industry in Manitoba.

2)The objectives of the guidelines

• to provide local governments with a basis for evaluation of automotive recycling operations.
• to assist Automotive Recyclers in their efforts to prevent pollution and unacceptable practices within a community.
• to provide a standard which will be used by the Automotive Recyclers of Manitoba practices board,  in determining normal acceptable business practices.
• to provide information to the general public and government regulators who evaluate automotive recycling operations for their potential effects on the surrounding area.

3) Who does the guideline pertain to

• Any person or company possessing or purchasing more than one vehicle per twelve month period for the purpose of selling and or removing its parts. This also applies if the above is being performed as a incidental event of another business operation and does not exclude auto body repair facilities, towing companies and auto service stations.

4) Standard hours of operation

• Must be available for inspection between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

5) Land use

• Must have commercial address and meet zoning and land use requirements. The recycling operation must have a minimum of 1 meter beyond all sides of each vehicle, based on the largest vehicle processed per month.

6) Capture and containment of substances

• All of these substances must be captured and contained: ozone depleting substances, Coolants Oils & fluids, Acids, Brake fluid, Solvents, Gasoline, Diesel fuel, Propane, Lead , Windshield washer fluid. All by-products and regulated waste of the recycling operation

7) Mercury switches

• Mercury switches must be handled and stored carefully to prevent discharge of the mercury.

8) Connections to storm sewers

• No Automotive Recycler shall allow connection to any type of sewers, of any vehicle, equipment or parts washing areas using solvents, water & detergents, oils, controlled chemicals or waste.

9) Size of holding tanks

• Must have a minimum of 45 gallons storage and a minimum *holding tank capacity for one month’s processing of vehicles at ten gallons per vehicle.
• Example: 50 vehicles per month x 10 gallons per vehicle = 500 gallons
• Holding tank must comply with all applicable legislation.

10) Fluid containers

• Containers for controlled fluids must be clearly marked as to their contents. These containers must be constructed of a material which prevents fluids from leaking out and must have a method of securing the lid to prevent spillage.

11) Handling of batteries

• Batteries may not be stacked higher than three levels. If stored inside a building, they must be in a well ventilated area. All scrap batteries must be stored in a leak-proof container or bin.

12) Dismantling pad

• All dismantling of vehicles must be done on a cement pad. This pad must extend 1.5 meters beyond all sides of the largest vehicle being processed. The cement pad must be constructed so as to collect the spillage of all controlled by-products.

13) Selling of by-products

• All regulated by-products must be sold or supplied only to companies which are registered and provide appropriate manifesting of the product in keeping with legislative requirements.

14) Fencing of stored vehicles

• A solid fence of at least 8 feet high must enclose any storage of vehicles. The board may approve other fencing to adhere to local regulations. The fencing must be maintained in an acceptable manner.Unused or undeveloped yard areas or areas not fronting on a public road need not be fenced.

15) Employee training

• Employees must be trained in the safe handling of wastes, W.H.M.I.S. and all procedures listed in these guidelines.

16) Prevention plan

• Management and staff must have a spill prevention and spill control plan in effect.

17) Racking of parts

• Parts that are racked in inventory must be kept in an orderly appearance if they are visible over the solid fencing. Whole vehicles, crushed or stacked, must not be stored higher than the fence.

18) Tires

• Tires removed from vehicles must be stored in accordance with current Manitoba Environment guidelines.

19) Burning

• No open burning.

20) Noise

• The Automotive Recyclers Board may recommend maximum dba emissions after taking into consideration neighboring property developments. Noise should not exceed 70 dba during the day and 60 dba at night.

21) Parking lot space provisions

• Sufficient parking provisions must be available on the Automotive Recyclers property for staff and customers.

22) Licenses and permits

• Must have all required licenses and permits:
• registered with Revenue Canada Taxation
• registered with Revenue Canada source deductions  (If employing staff)
• registered with the Manitoba Workers Compensation Board.
• registered with Excise Dept. (G.S.T.)
• registered with Manitoba Retail Sales Tax Department.
•  registered with Manitoba Corporate Affairs (business name, corporate papers)
•  registered with Manitoba motive fuel tax (Diesel vehicles over 15,000 g.v.w)
• registered as a hazardous waste generator with Manitoba Environment
• registered with M.O.P.I.A for handling of ozone depleting substances.

23) Record keeping and reporting

• Records of all vehicle purchases must be kept for a minimum of two years. Once monthly, a record of the serial number, year, make & model, vendors name & address must be forwarded to the appropriate police agency. Winnipeg and adjacent area must send to the City of Winnipeg Police, Stolen Auto Detail At 151 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB., R3B 1L1. All other areas must send to the R.C.M.P. Stolen Auto Detail at 1091 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB., R3G 0S6.. Vehicles purchased From Manitoba Public Insurance and licensed motor vehicle dealers are exempt from the reporting requirement. aw.ca