ARA member David Gold, Standard Auto Wreckers, Toronto, Ontario, who is now currently serving as Secretary of the Association. As published in Collision Repair, Gold says, “Honestly,

it’s disgraceful. Some recyclers have opened their doors to town councils, hardcore environmentalists, members of legislative assemblies, and others, and they all changed their tune. I can say that some of the biggest detractors are blown away when they see what’s really going on in a modern recycling yard.” “Vehicles need to go somewhere when they reach End-of-Life. Recycling them properly is the only responsible thing to do,” says Gold. “Clearly, Caldwell needs to visit a local auto recycler that’s a member of the ARA, meet the people, and see what’s going on. Education is the key when it comes to changing these attitudes.”

Unity Brings Success

This litigious environment brings unwanted press to the professional automotive recycling industry. Yet it can be a platform that, if used correctly, can launch a positive national awareness campaign in automotive recyclers’ favor to educate the general

public, regulators, and public policymakers on the benefits of Green Recycled Parts®

.

Overall, though, it is a numbers game. The number of represented recyclers as members of affiliate chapters and ARA needs to increase. The number of recyclers taking advantage of the Green Recycled Parts®

branding and marketing program needs to have a stronger presence. The number of participants in the Certified Automotive Recycler and Gold Seal programs needs to increase, without question. The number of yard tours for elected officials, regulators and inquiring minds from the general public needs to increase, especially in locales with controversy. The amount of positive press in local newspapers about how auto recyclers help their community through volunteerism and outreach needs to rise. Where is your business lacking? How can you be a part of the positive ripple effect? Implement it now. Caryn Smith is the editor of Automotive Recycling magazine.

For more information on ARA’s Green Recycled Parts® , Cer-

tified Automotive Recycler and Gold Seal programs, or for information on how to host a yard tour for your local deci- sion makers, please contact the ARA staff.

March-April 2015 | Automotive Recycling 45