Automotive Recycling
Industry Overview
A Presentation of the
Automotive Recyclers Association
The Automotive Recycling Industry
• Estimated 8,267 vehicle recycling operations around the
country
• Employing some 103,108 people
• Total Revenue $10 Billion
• Total Annual Payroll $3.3 Billion
Automotive Recycling Stats
• Recycling vehicles provides enough steel to produce almost 13
million new vehicles.
• Saves an estimated 85 million barrels of oil a year, that would have
been used in the manufacturing of new or replacement parts.
• Automotive recyclers provide wholesale and retail customers quality
parts that sell for up to 50% less than the comparable new parts.
Automotive Recyclers Association
• Association has been in existence for over 65 years
• Representing over 4,500 recycling facilities through direct and
affiliated membership in the U.S. and other countries around the
world
• Founder of Automotive Recycling Certification Programs for
Environmental Protection & Quality Business Standards
Motor Vehicle Fact & Figures
Vehicles Retired from Use
2006 - 12,008,000
Where are End-of-Life Vehicles Going?
Automotive Recyclers
7.0 million
Scrap Processors
1.8 million
Stolen/Non Recovered
1.7 million
Sold to Foreign Buyers/Exported
1.5 million
Going Green
•
The automotive recycling industry plays a necessary and crucial role in the
efficient, ecological disposal of inoperable motor vehicles. Although
sometimes known as auto salvage dealers, professional automotive
recyclers deal strictly in the recycling of motor vehicles.
•
Automotive recycling serves a vital role in preserving natural resources and
reducing the demand for scarce landfill space. Automotive recycling also
plays an important role in reducing air and water pollution, and solid waste
generation. Automotive recyclers must abide by stringent local and national
regulations on dealing with waste generated by salvaged automobiles.
Many individual automotive recyclers have also instituted their own unique
programs to further reduce the potential effects of harmful materials to their
businesses and communities.
Reuse is Recycling
With “recycled” OEM parts making up only 12-percent of the
parts being utilized in the repair of collision vehicles, there is
room for substantial growth here.
Quantity Of Carbon Dioxide Reduction in Recycling Car Parts
Quantity Of Carbon Dioxide Reduction in Recycling Car Parts
ARA Certified Automotive
Recycler Program
• Partnered with the U.S. EPA’s National Partnership for
Environmental Priorities (NPEP) for mercury switch removal.
• Audits CAR members annually for environmental
compliance, safety and general business standards.
• Produces guidelines for the safe and responsible dismantling
of automobiles and salvaging of quality used automotive
parts.
ARA CAR Gold Seal Program
• The Gold Seal program produces standards for quality customer
service and used automotive parts for the automotive recycling
industry.
• Members must use the ARA parts grading system when inventorying
all parts.
• Minimum warranties required on recycled parts.
• Members are monitored and are to maintain a standardized level of
customer service in 10 different categories.
• All Gold Seal members must be Certified Automotive Recyclers in
good standing, certified for environmental compliance.
Automotive Recycling Awareness
& Public Outreach
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Automotive Recycling Magazine
Industry Insider E-Newsletter
Website a-r-a.org
Environmental Compliance for Automotive
Recyclers (ECAR) Center
• Grassroots Efforts & Cross Industry
Collaboration
Environmental Compliance for
Automotive Recyclers
ECAR Center

Established by ARA In 1999

Interactive site by industry for industry

Detailed compliance information all 50 states
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Best management practices
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Pollution control and prevention

Compliance with environmental regulations
ECAR Center
ECAR Center – Fact Sheets
National Vehicle Mercury Switch
Removal Program
•
NVMSRP Steering Committee met on July 24, 2008
•
NVMSRP Subcommittee - Implementation Fund Coordination
Committee, announced that payment for
– mercury convenience light switches is increased from $1 to $4 and
– Anti-lock brake system assemblies (that contain mercury switches) from
$3 to $6.
•
By the end of July 2008, over 6,700 participants have recovered
more than 1.4 million mercury switches, preventing in excess of
3,100 lbs of mercury from entering the environment.
Automotive Recyclers Association
3975 Fair Ridge Drive, Suite 20-N
Fairfax, VA 22033
(703) 385-1001
www.a-r-a.org