My house is near an auto salvage yard (junk yard). Does the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulate the operation of auto salvage yards?

The DNR regulates the disposal of solid and hazardous waste generated at salvage yards through laws and rules which are intended to prevent contamination of the land, surface and groundwater, and air from these operations. Additionally, auto salvage yards must have a Stormwater Discharge Permit issued by the DNR's Watershed Program and be certified and registered to remove freon from automobiles by the DNR's Air Management Program. Stormwater Permit and Air Management staff are located at DNR regional offices. They can provide you with information regarding whether an auto salvage yard has Storm Permit coverage or a registration to remove freon.

The DNR does not issue licenses to auto salvage yards to operate but the Department of Transportation does license auto salvage yards. Wisconsin solid waste laws specifically exempt auto junk yards or scrap metal salvage yards from the definition of a Solid Waste Facility. See Statute 289.01(35), Wis. Stats.

The DNR does not regulate the visual appearance of salvage yards or where they may be located. Your local or county zoning ordinance may have requirements regarding the astablishment of a junk yard and how it operates.