Dillon Auto Parts participates in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) program to recover mercury switches from scrap automobiles. In many older cars, light switches under the hood or in the trunk contain mercury, and some newer cars contain mercury switches in anti-lock brake systems. If not removed before vehicles are crushed, mercury-containing equipment from auto salvage yards can be a threat to the environment and human health. 

During the first year of joining, the Boise and Caldwell Dillon yards, plus their three affiliate yards, recovered 508 mercury switches, totaling 625 grams of mercury. As of July 15, 2008, their yards had recovered an additional 102 switches, totaling approximately 127 grams of captured mercury.

According to the Automotive Recyclers Association, "the recycling of end-of-life vehicles saves an estimated 85 million barrels of oil that would have been used in the manufacturing of new or replacement parts. Additional energy and resource conservation is realized by recycling rebuildable 'core' parts to the automotive parts rebuilding industry."

At Dillon Auto Parts, batteries containing sulfuric acid and lead are removed from incoming vehicles to prevent environmental contamination. The batteries are tested and, if found to be good, are charged and resold, reducing the need for batteries to be built from virgin materials. If a battery is no longer usable, it is sold to a battery manufacturing company that recycles many of the components into new batteries, thus conserving natural resources.

Tires and wheels are also removed. Damaged aluminum wheels are collected and sold to be processed into new aluminum. The remaining mechanical components on vehicles are all tested, and those found serviceable are resold. The vehicle is then drained of all fluids; the gasoline is resold, and the oil is sold to be used as a component of heating fuel and asphalt. In addition, the antifreeze is cleaned and resold, and the refrigerant is evacuated from the air conditioning units, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.