ATLANTA, Sept. 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (DEP) has chosen Pull-A-Part as one of six recipients of the state's 2013 Environmental Excellence Awards. Pull-A-Part received the Small Business Environmental Pacesetter Award for its Louisville operation. Through the awards, the Kentucky DEP recognizes the efforts and activities of individuals, businesses or organizations that are committed to protecting and improving Kentucky's environment.

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Atlanta-based Pull-A-Part, LLC (www.pullapart.com) is a family business serving the do-it-yourself, used auto parts market. The company operates a network of 25 used auto parts superstores in 12 states. By developing a unique operating system based on customer service and environmental responsibility, Pull-A-Part has transformed what was once thought of as the junkyard into a sustainable recycling business that provides affordable used auto parts to consumers.

In the announcement naming the 2013 award winners, the Kentucky DEP noted that Pull-A-Part has made exceptional commitments to resource conservation, waste reduction and pollution prevention, working to set the standard of excellence in handling and recycling of end-of-life vehicles.

"The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection has a mission to protect and enhance Kentucky's environment. One way this is done is by recognizing some of the environmental leaders in the Commonwealth and highlighting their achievements through this awards program," said R. Bruce Scott, DEP commissioner. "The recipients' efforts demonstrate their strong commitment to environmental stewardship."

Pull-A-Part has developed a unique de-pollution process that removes potentially hazardous materials before any car is placed on its display lots. The company also established a new process to recover and recycle copper wiring harnesses before sending vehicles to the automobile shredder. The result is that Pull-A-Part vehicles produce 21 percent less automobile shredder residue sent to a landfill when compared to typical vehicles delivered to a shredder.

In addition to the Kentucky award, Pull-A-Part has been acclaimed for outstanding environmental responsibility and corporate citizenship by a number of federal, state and local organizations. It is the only member of the recycling industry to be accepted into the prestigious U.S. EPA National Environmental Performance Track Program; it also received the U.S. EPA National Partnership for Environmental Priorities Achievement Award for recycling mercury switches.

"Because Pull-A-Part has had four generations involved in the family auto recycling business, we understand the long-term ramifications of shipping the cleanest vehicles possible for recycling," said Ross Kogon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pull-A-Part. "Capturing all of the recyclable and reclaimable materials from each vehicle is not just a sound business practice, but also a responsibility and a civic duty that our company owners take very seriously."

Pull-A-Part traces its roots to a business begun 105 years ago in Atlanta. The company is operated by the third and fourth generations of the founding family, whose values still affect every aspect of how Pull-A-Part functions, operationally and interpersonally.

Editor's Note:

Pull-A-Part, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, is an award-winning family business serving the do it-yourself, used auto parts market. By developing a unique operating system based on customer service and environmental responsibility, Pull-A-Part has transformed what was once thought of as the junkyard into a sustainable recycling business. Founded in 1997, Pull-A-Part operates a network of 25 used auto parts superstores in 12 states.

The company has made an exceptional commitment to resource conservation, waste reduction and pollution prevention, allowing Pull-A-Part to provide affordable used auto parts to do-it-yourself consumers, while providing high quality scrap metal, fluids and plastics for recycling. Recycling diverts these materials from the waste stream and helps protect the air, water and soil from pollution.

More information is available at: www.pullapart.com, www.facebook.com/pullapartauto, and www.twitter.com/pullapartauto.

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