EnviroStars certified Bill’s Auto Parts builds on rich recycling legacy

Recycling is nothing new for Steve Spalding, owner of Bill’s Auto Parts. As he puts it, “Auto recyclers were the original recyclers. Even before aluminum cans, as far back as the early 1900s, wrecking yards were selling car parts for reuse.” Over a century later, the industry continues to thrive on practicality. Bill’s Auto Parts is good for the environment, good for the economy and good for the community—a self-sustaining business model that keeps everything from gears to tires to mercury switches out of our dumps and waterways. Spokane Envirostars is proud to recognize the certification of Bill’s Auto Parts, the only certified auto parts recycler in the state. EnviroStars is a voluntary program that certifies businesses for properly disposing of hazardous waste and reducing their waste stream. Said Spalding, “For us it just made sense, we already met a lot of the qualifications and we want people to know this industry is doing the right thing.” As a third generation auto recycler, Spalding and his family have always stayed at the forefront of environmental practices. In the 1960s and 70s, wrecking yards began implementing dry yards. In dry yards, all the car’s fluids (oil, antifreeze, Freon ect.) are drained and recycled. Spalding follows the practice scrupulously. Tonilee Hanson of EnviroStars said, “ I was really impressed when I visited. There wasn’t a drop of oil in their yard.” Said Spalding, “We regulate ourselves. This property is something we want to pass on to our kids, and it won’t have value if we don’t take care of it.” As the Vice-President of Auto Recyclers of Washington, Spalding helps educate other businesses around the state about dry yards and other sustainable business practices. One of the industry’s most successful accomplishments is the mercury switch-recycling program. Over 200,000 mercury switches have been collected from end-of-life vehicles in Washington, preventing more than 440 pounds of mercury from entering the environment. Spalding’s role in the community doesn’t stop with the environment. Some people who come in can’t afford to take their cars to the mechanic for new parts. As Spalding puts it, “For some people, $80 is their food budget for the weekend, and an auto repair is a big burden. I always try to fix them up as best I can.” To learn more about Bill’s Auto Parts, you can find them online at: https://www.billsautoparts.net. While you’re there, check out Reese’s Blog. Created by Spalding’s wife, Roxanne, this blog has great ideas for fun, creative ways to recycle items around the house.