Three Minnesota scrap-metal recycling companies were ordered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to properly handle refrigerants in appliances and cars they accept. The companies were identified as Alter Trading Corporation in St. Paul, Leroy Iron and Metal in Leroy, and Timm's Auto Salvage in St. Charles.

The EPA found that regardless of whether or not each company had recovery equipment on-site, they were unable to provide properly certified statements and other documents to verify that refrigerants were recovered by themselves or a contractor. The chemicals are blamed for eating a hole in the earth's ozone layer.

In a statement issued on November 2, the EPA said the companies agreed to keep detailed records documenting the proper recovery of all refrigerants. Read the full orders here: Leroy Iron and Metal, Alter Trading Corporation and Timm's Auto Salvage.