Championing Connection and Change in Auto Recycling

In an era when the auto recycling industry faces unprecedented technological, legislative, and environmental shifts, strong leadership is vital. Eric Wilbert, president of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), stands out as a forward-thinking advocate for recyclers everywhere. Blending practical, hands-on business experience with a clear vision for the industry’s future, Wilbert is helping to ensure that recyclers not only keep pace with change but actively shape it. His focus on connection, modernization, and effective advocacy is setting a new standard for industry leadership at a critical time.

Wilbert, now 39, didn’t plan on a career in auto recycling. While studying mathematics at university, a family emergency brought him back to the business. From growing up across the street from his family’s original recycling yard to managing three self-service locations today, his story is emblematic of the hands-on dedication that defines much of the industry’s most enduring leadership.

But it was more than circumstance that propelled him forward; it was engagement. Thrust into association life when he was elected secretary of the New York State Automotive Recyclers Association without even being present, Wilbert’s path to the ARA presidency might have been unconventional, but it was undeniably organic. “There was a risk associated with being asked to join the executive committee,” he admits. “I wasn’t the typical candidate sitting on multiple committees.” Yet, he quickly proved his worth, championing causes like digital modernization, right-to-repair, and high-voltage vehicle dismantling.

This presidency comes at a pivotal moment for ARA, not just due to industry pressures, but also internal transitions. Wilbert chaired the succession committee that helped appoint Vince Edivan as the new Executive Director, replacing long-time leader Sandy Blalock. He speaks with respect and purpose about the shift: “Sandy is a tremendous person with incredible strengths. Replacing her was no small task.”

That same clarity runs through his priorities for the ARA. Rather than pursuing a singular personal legacy project, Wilbert’s focus has been on ensuring stability, communication, and empowerment within the organization. A primary example is the complete overhaul of ARA’s digital infrastructure. “The more we can bring under one roof—our website, our CRM, our educational tools—the more value and usability we offer to members,” he explains.

This commitment to member value also manifests in outreach. ARA’s marketing push, led by Edivan, has flooded industry social feeds and increased engagement, visibility, and awareness of ARA’s efforts. From legislative advocacy to practical resources, Wilbert emphasizes ease of participation: “We’re focused on making it easy for our members to get involved, be heard, and see tangible returns from their engagement.”

That advocacy role is no small matter in today’s climate. Topics such as extended producer responsibility (EPR), EV battery management, and vehicle acquisition are dominating the conversations. “The salvage pools like Copart and IAA continue to change the rules mid-game,” Wilbert says, referencing one of the top concerns for recyclers: inventory acquisition. ARA’s new Industry Relations Committee was formed to address this, opening lines of communication with the auction giants. “Sometimes it’s just a lack of communication,” Wilbert adds. “But we’re at the table now.”

ARA’s seat at that table extends beyond borders. From U.S. statehouses to European forums, Wilbert understands the importance of a unified industry voice. His upcoming presentation in Poland on end-of-life vehicle tariffs underscores the ARA’s global relevance and the need for shared learning. “We’re so connected, our trading and distribution networks are international now. The ARA helps amplify those opportunities,” he says.

But perhaps one of Wilbert’s most profound contributions is philosophical. He balances generational change with respect for legacy and adopts a collaborative tone in a landscape often marked by tension. His take on OEM/ recycler relationships is candid: “We’ve made great strides. But with recent revelations about OEM cartels and anti-competitive behavior, trust has been tested.”

That’s where ARA’s role becomes especially critical, not just as a voice, but as a translator between stakeholders. “It’s not just what you say; it’s how you say it,” Wilbert emphasizes. “We’re not complaining. We’re seeking opportunities for better communication and better efficiency.”

So, why should a recycler join the ARA now?

For Wilbert, the answer is simple: connection. “Whether you’re trading across states or borders, the ARA provides tools, education, and the ability to benchmark your business. It reminds you you’re not alone. You hear others and realize I’m not crazy, I’m on the right track. Or maybe I could do things differently.”

In a time of uncertainty and opportunity, Eric Wilbert’s ARA isn’t just reacting to change; it’s helping shape the narrative, build bridges, and make space for all recyclers to grow.