Vince Edivan, Executive Director at the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) in the US, discusses what is happening at the organization. He described his efforts to improve communication and strengthen the team as he settles into his role. He also discussed how auto recyclers can be both profitable and environmentally friendly and the importance of public education to shift perceptions about recycled vehicle parts.
Transition and Priorities
It has now been several months since I transitioned into my role, and things are moving fast. There are several “behind the scenes” projects happening. I am very grateful that we have Emil Nusbaum at the helm of our advocacy efforts. I speak with him and our Government Affairs Committee Chairperson, Slater Shroyer, almost daily. The learning curve for me is steep, but they have been incredibly helpful. Having them affords me the time needed to focus on these key improvements. I’ve received so much support from the executive committee and staff. The encouragement has been humbling, and I’m grateful to have a strong team around me.
For the coming year, we have several exciting initiatives underway. One major focus is a complete revamp of our website to better serve our members and the industry. We are also working on projects to increase engagement and awareness of the auto recycling industry, ensuring that our strategies effectively communicate our impact. Another key priority is strengthening our team; having recently lost two key staff members, we’re finalizing new people to ensure smooth operations.
Collaboration will be essential in everything we do. Working alongside ARA President Eric Wilbert and our five-person executive committee, we are setting strategic goals and putting systems in place to ensure ARA continues to move forward.
Balancing Profit and Sustainability in Auto Recycling
In the US, financial viability will always be the driving force behind the industry. However, sustainability is naturally embedded in what we do. We don’t need to create artificial sustainability initiatives because auto recyclers are already making a significant environmental impact simply by doing business.
That said, sustainability is becoming a larger part of the conversation, especially as insurers, manufacturers, and legislators begin emphasizing carbon savings. ARA has been proactive in backing research on the carbon footprint of recycled parts. For example, we worked with Worcester Polytechnic Institute to quantify the carbon savings of using recycled parts versus new ones. Moving forward, our focus will be on ensuring that sustainability efforts align with business success rather than becoming regulatory burdens that disrupt the industry.
Shifting Perceptions: Educating the Public on Auto Recycling
Public awareness is one of our biggest challenges. Most consumers don’t realize that their vehicle will eventually be 90+% recycled, nor do they think about the economic and environmental benefits of purchasing recycled parts. People get excited about buying a new car but rarely consider where their old one ends up.
One of ARA’s key initiatives is content development and strategic deployment of that content. We’re working on ways to break down complex reports and industry insights into digestible, engaging messages that resonate with consumers. We recently produced short-form videos highlighting ARA’s mission and have ongoing plans to distribute research findings in ways that capture attention.
We are also working with SHiFT Vehicle Retirement Initiative®, a social enterprise promoting responsible vehicle recycling to reduce carbon footprints. They help individuals and businesses retire vehicles sustainably, ensuring proper recycling practices. Their initiative supports environmental conservation, social impact programs, and automotive recycling education, aiming to make transportation greener and more sustainable.
Beyond digital efforts, we also need to engage insurance companies and repair shops, key stakeholders who can influence the public’s adoption of recycled parts. If they embrace and promote the value of recycled parts, consumer attitudes will follow.
Strength in Collaboration: How Leadership Shapes ARA’s Vision
The ARA executive committee is an incredible asset. I have the privilege of working with five highly successful entrepreneurs who run their own businesses and have volunteered their time to guide ARA’s direction. Their collective knowledge is invaluable, and I can always pick up the phone and get insights from people who truly understand the industry.
This collaboration ensures that ARA remains on a solid path. The committee sets strategic goals and provides me with the necessary boundaries to operate effectively. There’s a real sense of alignment within the leadership team, and that’s crucial for making informed, impactful decisions.
Additionally, having long-tenured staff members like Jessica and Kelly, who have been with ARA for decades, provides continuity and institutional knowledge that further strengthens our ability to execute our vision.
Challenges and Opportunities for Auto Recyclers
The electric vehicle (EV) market is in a state of flux. There has been a lot of government attention on EVs. However, market demand and infrastructure were not keeping up to the political push. We now have a new administration, and the EV mandates have been lifted. Battery technology continues to evolve, and I believe we will still see growth in that segment, but it will be market-driven instead of Government-mandated. While it’s a conversation we must remain engaged in, I believe in giving it only as much attention as it deserves—no more, no less.
For auto recyclers, EVs present both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, there’s potential to carve out a space in the battery reuse and recycling market. On the other, the technology is evolving so quickly that it’s hard to scale a standardized business model around it yet. Additionally, legislative mandates often struggle to successfully shape markets—consumer demand dictates industry shifts.
ARA is keeping a close watch on developments while ensuring that our members are equipped to adapt as the landscape evolves. The key will be finding ways to integrate EV recycling into existing business models without forcing changes that don’t align with long-term financial viability.
