Amidst rising inflation, many people are looking for ways to make extra money. If you’re a Vermonter with old, unused vehicles sitting on your property, you might be in luck. Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding residents about the Salvage Yard Rule, which, while designed to protect the environment, also presents an opportunity to turn those junk cars into Cash Cars.
Vermont has regulations in place to ensure salvage yards operate safely and sustainably, protecting both human health and the environment. If you have four or more unregistered and uninspected vehicles (or other junk) on your land, you need to be aware of the Salvage Yard Permit requirements. The DEC is actively working to ensure everyone complies with these rules, but they also want to help Vermonters understand how these regulations can benefit them.
“Often, Vermonters, once informed about the rules, choose to comply. They apply for permits, remove or donate vehicles, or get their vehicles registered and inspected,” explains DEC Commissioner John Beling. “However, in cases of non-compliance, we do have to enforce the rules, which can involve penalties.”
So, how can you stay compliant and potentially get paid for your old vehicles? Here’s a breakdown of tips from the Vermont DEC to help you turn your junk cars into cash.
Easy Ways to Cash in Your Old Cars in Vermont
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Contact a Permitted Salvage Yard: Your first step to turning junk cars into cash cars is to reach out to a local permitted salvage yard. Salvage yards are often willing to pick up vehicles for free and, depending on the scrap metal value, will offer you cash for your vehicle. To find a permitted salvage yard near you, you can check this directory of Vermont salvage yards.
- Before contacting a salvage yard, make sure to remove any personal trash from the vehicles and ensure they are easily accessible for pickup.
- Important Title Note: If your vehicle is less than 15 years old, you will need the title to transfer ownership to the salvage yard. For vehicles 15 years or older, a title is not required for transfer.
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Utilize a Towing Service: If you prefer, you can use a towing service to transport your vehicles to a salvage yard. In some instances, towing companies may accept the scrap metal value of the vehicle as payment for their towing services, effectively turning your junk car into a no-cost removal solution, or even potentially netting you some cash if the scrap value exceeds the towing fee.
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Seek Assistance from the DEC: Navigating the process can seem daunting, but the DEC is there to help. If you need assistance contacting salvage yards or coordinating vehicle removal, reach out to DEC Accessible Assistance Specialist, Jackie Peterson, at 802-461-7182 or Jacqueline.Peterson@vermont.gov. They can provide guidance and support to make the process of turning your junk cars into cash cars easier.
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Consider Vehicle Donation: If you’re less focused on immediate cash and more interested in charitable giving and potential tax benefits, consider donating your old cars, boats, or campers to organizations like Good News Garage or Sierra Club Foundation. These organizations offer free vehicle pickup and will provide you with a tax deduction for your donation. For more details, contact Good News Garage at 877-448-3288 or Sierra Club Foundation at 855-337-4377. While this isn’t direct cash for cars, the tax deduction can be a significant financial benefit.
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Register and Inspect: If your vehicles are still in running condition or can be repaired, consider registering and inspecting them instead of selling them as junk. This allows you to keep using the vehicles legally, rather than turning them into cash cars.
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Become a Permitted Salvage Yard: If you find yourself regularly dealing with multiple junk vehicles, you might consider becoming a permitted Salvage Yard yourself. This, however, involves a more complex process of complying with all regulations and obtaining the necessary permits.
Understanding the Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with Vermont’s salvage yard rules can lead to civil penalties. However, the DEC emphasizes that they prefer to work with Vermonters to achieve compliance. Promptly addressing any issues can significantly reduce or eliminate potential enforcement actions.
Get More Information
For comprehensive information about salvage yards, permits, and the specific rules, visit the Salvage Yard Program webpage. For further assistance, you can also contact Barb Schwendtner at 802-249-5904 or Barb.Schwendtner@vermont.gov.
Turning your junk cars into cash cars is not only a financially smart move during times of inflation, but it’s also a responsible way to manage your property and contribute to environmental protection in Vermont. By following these guidelines, you can ensure you are in compliance with state regulations while potentially putting some extra cash in your pocket.
