Another Nevada County vehicle yard is taking advantage of the rising cost of scrap metal to both offer a public service and bolster business.

Grass Valley Auto and Truck Dismantling and Fischer Towing are paying $50 for junk vehicles because of the growing number of them in the area, owner Ron Fischer said.

Last week, Kent Kilroy of Kilroy's Auto Dismantlers started a similar program at his yard on the south end of Grass Valley.

"We've been working on clearing out our yard for this for several months," Fischer said Friday. "Public agencies cost a lot to operate, so if we can save the police and the county some money, we'll do it."

Abandoned cars have to be dealt with by area police and California Highway Patrol officers, who have to do paperwork on them. It takes their valuable time, Fischer said.

Scrap metal currently is selling for about $250 a ton, Fischer said. The program won't make him rich, but it will give him efficiency and savings.

"The other part is, we run 14 trucks and they're always coming back empty, so if we're coming back from some place, it helps our costs to pick something up."

That something could be the junker you've been looking at for a while.

To get rid of it, call Fischer's yard at 273-5216. The business owner is willing to send a truck up to 15 miles for a vehicle pickup.

Those wishing to utilize Kilroy's services can call 273-3495.

To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail dmoller@theunion.com or call 477-4237.