Sustainability

Commitment to Sustainability

For LKQ, sustainability is part of what we do. Our entire business - distributing new aftermarket and recycled automobile parts and refurbishing collision-damaged vehicle parts - is built upon providing quality, low cost alternatives for repairing cars and trucks. Minimizing our environmental impact is a sound business practice for us.

The environmental and economic impacts of our operations are linked to people and communities. We strive to create a culture of trust and collaboration, performance and accountability, and careful, attentive service to our customers.

Preserving the Environment

We are the largest distributor of recycled auto parts in North America. Nearly one-half of our $1.9 billion revenue base is derived from recycling automobile parts. In 2008, LKQ purchased just under 400,000 vehicles, diverting them from landfills. Before the vehicles were crushed and sold for scrap, those parts that are good are harvested and sold to be reused in other cars and trucks.

After removing waste materials and fluids, we dismantle the vehicles and warehouse parts for sale to collision and vehicle repair shops and individual car owners. The majority of the wastes from processing vehicles are non-hazardous and most often recycled. Waste oil is recycled or used for energy recovery in our plants. Gasoline is pumped into our storage tanks and used to power our delivery vehicles. Remaining metal parts are crushed and sold for use in the production of new metal products.

Safety

At LKQ, safety is paramount. We have stringent health and safety policies and train our employees to avoid injury. We handle and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste properly and are in full compliance with environmental rules and regulations.

Creating Value

Using recycled, aftermarket or refurbished parts lower the cost of vehicle repairs without compromising quality. Compared to replacement parts from original equipment manufacturers, our alternative parts are "like kind and quality" and typically reduce the total cost of vehicle repair by at least 25 percent. Reducing repair costs saves money for vehicle owners and insurance carriers, and helps to hold down insurance premiums.

The financial success of our business enables us to fund our growth initiatives and expand our recycling and replacement parts operations.

Community

With approximately 280 locations, we strive to be good neighbors and are engaged in the communities we serve. Our plants provide equipment and vehicles to police and fire departments for emergency safety drills. We also partner with local aid organizations and provide critical vehicle parts to repair automobiles donated to families in need of safe, reliable transportation.