Flathead County’s Solid Waste Department is turning an environmental and safety challenge into a community benefit through their Junk Vehicle Program. This free service not only keeps our neighborhoods clean but also provides critical training opportunities for emergency responders while ensuring the responsible disposal of unlicensed and inoperative vehicles.
State law requires that unlicensed, inoperative, discarded, dismantled, or wrecked vehicles be removed from private property. For many residents, arranging for removal can feel overwhelming. That’s where Flathead County’s Junk Vehicle Program steps in, offering free pick-up and removal of junk vehicles from anywhere within the county.
Beyond the immediate benefits to residents, the Junk Vehicle Program provides an invaluable resource for emergency services, particularly for firefighter training. Recently, the Kalispell Fire Department, bolstered by 11 newly hired firefighters, utilized junk vehicles in an extensive series of drills as part of their Firefighter 1 Certification and Extrication training.
Over the course of four half-day sessions, trainers led these new recruits through scenarios involving stabilization techniques, extrication methods, and tool proficiency. Junk vehicles allowed firefighters to practice critical skills like using the Jaws of Life to safely remove patients from crushed cars and stabilizing overturned vehicles with tension buttresses and rescue airbags.
This hands-on experience is not only crucial for new recruits but also a part of proficiency upkeep for seasoned firefighters. By providing realistic and varied scenarios, junk vehicles help firefighters gain and maintain their readiness to respond effectively during real emergencies.
The journey of a junk vehicle doesn’t end with training. Once the county accumulates around 300 vehicles, companies bid for the contract to crush and recycle them. This process ensures that all fluids, including oil, antifreeze, and gasoline, are safely separated and sent to refineries for repurposing. The program aligns with national efforts, including the “Cash for Clunkers” initiative, by contributing to responsible recycling and sustainability.
Flathead County’s Junk Vehicle Program exemplifies how a challenge can be transformed into an opportunity. By cleaning up our communities, supporting emergency services, and responsibly recycling materials, this program delivers benefits that extend far beyond just the removal of old cars.