EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT | OCTOBER 2025 Auto Fluid Removal

The salvage auto fluid extraction market growth is due to factors such as stringent disposal regulations, growing awareness surrounding the practice relative to the environment, the economic benefits of used fluid resale and technological advancements in extraction equipment. The value of the global auto oil recycling market is expected to reach $6.8 billion by 2033, according to Verified Market Reports. The following companies are among the sources available that can provide fluid extraction equipment that is required for processing scrap autos in a safe, efficient and profitable way.

Iron Ax has manufactured the Enviro Rack for over 20 years. John Kitchens, president, explained, “We produce a wide range of products used in scrap metal and dismantling operations and we developed the Enviro Rack for use in our own scrap yards. After we were satisfied with the product, we introduced it to the marketplace. It is an essential tool when it comes to fluid recovery and it is 100 percent powered by air for safety. A fully self-contained unit that features secondary containment, it is designed for either one or two person operation. All vehicle fluids can be captured while keeping the operator safe and clean. The Enviro Rack is portable, EPA and state level compliant and features gas separation and anti-freeze separation. Using the gas separation system, the operator can easily separate the good gas from the bad. The Enviro Rack requires very little maintenance because it will never require a pump replacement and a car can be processed in an average of five minutes. Upon delivery the Enviro Rack can be fully operational and ready to use in as few and 15 minutes.”

Iron Ax/Recycling Equipment Sales, Inc.

Kitchens also mentioned that groundwater contamination can be a daily concern for yard owners and operators. “One of the biggest sources of contamination can be from ELV fluid removal. If a companyʼs staff doesnʼt use equipment designed for this task, they will usually have a homemade system. Those systems may get the job done, but does that mean they are compliant? No it doesnʼt. It seems that now, even in remote areas, inspections are being increased. Compliance with EPA and state level regulations is a must if you are going to stay in business. Businesses should be proactive in how the issue is managed and not wait until a compliance citation is issued.”

As a manufacturer of end-of-life automotive recycling equipment, Superior Recycling Solutions (SRS) serves a myriad of industries – high-volume scrap yards, vehicle dismantlers, self-service vehicle yards and automotive repair shops.

Superior Recycling Solutions

SRS patented systems range from full-tilt vehicle lifts, designed for the ultimate in processing volume, to portable fluid recovery systems that are built with convenience in mind. “Our products serve low volume dismantlers, which process a few vehicles each day to large scale operations, which process hundreds of vehicles daily,” said Michael Copt, owner. He continued, “Regardless of what you choose from our product line, youʼll find quality equipment built in the USA and designed to withstand the rigors of your industry. We engineer our products to include safe, ergonomic, user features as well as strict EPA compliancy adherence for the business owner. You’ll find our vehicle recycling equipment second to none when it comes to recovering oil, gasoline and other hazardous fluids from your vehicles. Our oil recovery systems can also separate fluids to further increase profitability by allowing you to reuse or sell your recovered and refined fluids.”

“Our products utilize industry-leading pneumatic pumping technology, giving you the most powerful extraction tool with nearly double the cycle rate of traditional pumps. Built to last, our fluid recovery systems include pumps specifically designed for the automotive recycling industry, complete with industrial grade fittings and components. Because time is something you can never get back, SRS products are built industry tough, to save you lots of it. For over 30 years, we’ve offered products designed by auto recyclers for auto recyclers. We know how to keep the green in your wallet and not on the ground!”

Nigel Dove, chief executive officer of Vortex De-Pollution, explained that “Vortex offers solutions that are not only tough, but remarkably user-friendly as well. Unlike traditional fluid recovery methods that use collection pans under their systems – which can be a fire hazard – our equipment utilizes advanced sealing technologies that tightly adhere to vehicles, significantly minimizing drips and leaks. Fluids are efficiently pumped away from the drain area into secure storage tanks, ensuring controlled and safe fluid transfer at all times. Our product line includes comprehensive vehicle processing equipment. Beyond the fluid recovery range, our cutting-edge, Vulture vehicle processor excels in dismantling vehicles, extracting engines, separating aluminum using our specialized engine cracker and processing components such as catalytic converters, radiators and wire harnesses. We even offer capabilities to bale or log vehicle shells, maximizing the recovery of valuable materials.

Vortex De-Pollution LLC

“Catering to a diverse clientele, from service auto parts companies to metal recycling facilities, Vortex remains at the forefront in offering a dedicated range of products, designed to meet the specific needs of those markets. Our commitment to innovation, efficiency and safety continues to drive us forward, ensuring that our customers receive nothing less than the best in vehicle processing solutions,” Dove stated.

Since their start in 2003, Vortex has met the rigorous standards of the UK ELV regulations. After moving operations entirely to the U.S. in 2010, the company has continued to innovate and manufacture a robust range of equipment to meet those same high standards.

Published October 2025

Published in the September 2025 Edition of American Recycler News