Auto recyclers seeking second ‘Clunkers’ extension

Dec 29, 2009 | 10:18 AM | Lisa Gordon

Not all recyclers are satisfied with the "Cash for Clunkers" program, calling the effort a missed opportunity to keep the program environmentally friendly. And they are asking the government to extend the deadline a second time, stating that some auto recyclers have a year's worth of inventory or more to be processed.

The United Recyclers Group (URG), which represents more than 300 auto recyclers, believes the deadline for destroying "Clunker" vehicles does not provide enough time to salvage parts and is taking reusable parts off the market.

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently extended the deadline, allowing auto crushers an additional 90 days to dispose of vehicles that became obsolete through the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) Act, better known as the "Cash for Clunkers" program (AMM, Dec. 1). With the extension, recyclers now have 270 days to dispose of the vehicles—but they had asked the government for a year to complete the task.....