Vermont residents can turn their unwanted vehicles into cash, especially beneficial during times of high prices and inflation. The state’s Salvage Yard Rule, established in 2015, ensures the environmentally sound operation of salvage yards, offering a way for Vermonters to dispose of Junk Cars responsibly and potentially profitably. This rule applies to properties with four or more unregistered, uninspected vehicles or accumulated junk, requiring a Salvage Yard Permit.
How to Get Rid of Your Junk Car and Get Paid
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is actively working to assist residents in complying with these regulations and cleaning up unpermitted salvage yards. Most Vermonters choose to comply by obtaining permits, removing vehicles, donating them, or ensuring their vehicles are registered and inspected. However, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions and penalties. Here are some ways to legally dispose of your junk car and potentially earn some money:
Contact a Salvage Yard
Permitted salvage yards in Vermont (bit.ly/VT-SY) often offer free vehicle pickup and may pay for scrap metal. Ensure the vehicle is accessible and free of trash. Titles are required for vehicles under 15 years old, but not for older vehicles.
Utilize Towing Services
Towing companies can transport your junk car to a salvage yard, sometimes accepting the scrap metal value as payment for their services.
Seek Assistance from the DEC
The DEC offers assistance in coordinating vehicle removal. Contact Jackie Peterson, Accessible Assistance Specialist, at 802-461-7182 or Jacqueline.Peterson@vermont.gov.
Donate Your Vehicle
Consider donating your car, boat, or camper to charities like Good News Garage (bit.ly/GNG-Donation) or Sierra Club Foundation (bit.ly/SCF-Donation). They offer free pickup and provide a tax deduction. Contact Good News Garage at 877-448-3288 or Sierra Club Foundation at 855-337-4377.
Register and Inspect Your Vehicles
Ensure your vehicles are properly registered and inspected to avoid falling under the salvage yard regulations.
Obtain a Salvage Yard Permit
If you intend to keep multiple unregistered vehicles, apply for a Salvage Yard Permit to operate legally.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with Vermont’s salvage yard rules can result in penalties. However, addressing the issue promptly may reduce the severity of any enforcement actions.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information on salvage yards, permits, and regulations, visit the Salvage Yard Program webpage (bit.ly/VT-SYP). Contact Barb Schwendtner at 802-249-5904 or Barb.Schwendtner@vermont.gov for further assistance. Getting rid of your junk car in Vermont is easier than you think, and it can even put some cash in your pocket.
