David Gold, President of Standard Auto Wreckers, an auto parts supplier in Toronto, Canada, shares his thoughts on how auto recyclers play a crucial yet often overlooked role in the circular economy, reducing waste, lowering costs, and keeping vehicles on the road. Despite growing challenges and limited support, professional auto recyclers continue to lead with innovation and collaboration. With meaningful investment and recognition, they can drive even greater impact and shape a greener, more resilient automotive future.
The Heart of Auto Recycling
The auto recycling industry is fueled by professionals who have devoted their lives to a trade that is often misunderstood. Many of us have grown up in this business, carrying forward generational knowledge and a passion that goes far beyond dollars and cents. We take pride in supplying affordable parts, supporting families in our communities, and keeping vehicles on the road.
Yet, despite our contributions, auto recyclers remain one of the least supported stakeholders in the entire automotive ecosystem. Automakers, governments, and even many investors often treat us as an afterthought when, in reality, we are at the center of the circular economy. We prevent waste, create jobs, and save consumers money. We deserve to be recognized and invested in, not sidelined.
The Reality We Face
Let’s be honest: our industry has never had it easy. The cost of doing business continues to rise, forcing professional recyclers to add on surcharges to cover compliance, environmental initiatives, investments in education, infrastructure and technology. Too many long-standing yards have closed, not because the work wasn’t valuable, but because the land beneath them was worth more as real estate. Each closure is a loss not only for the recycler but for customers, suppliers, and communities.
Meanwhile, unregulated operators and pop-up “underground” yards have sprung up in cities across North America. They undermine professionalism, avoid compliance, and harm the industry’s reputation. Professional recyclers, those who are licensed, trained, and accountable, are left carrying the weight of responsibility while others exploit the gaps.
The Future Is in Our Hands
Despite these challenges, the future is bright. Progressive recyclers are building alliances and proving that when we work together, we can achieve extraordinary results. The reality is simple: auto recyclers are often each other’s biggest customers. We share inventories, exchange knowledge, and lean on one another to handle increasingly complex business situations. The industry consultants we have surrounded ourselves with are among the best and brightest we have ever been fortunate enough to work with, helping us elevate our game. We are lucky to have them in the industry.
Today’s cars and trucks are marvels of engineering, but they also present enormous challenges when they reach end-of-life, and even the best management systems and third-party workarounds for our industry can only do so much to support us.
High-voltage batteries, integrated electronics, and intricate assemblies are brought into our yards with little guidance. Automakers provide almost no meaningful support, leaving us to reverse-engineer solutions and train ourselves. That’s not sustainable. Automakers must realize that collaboration and especially specific vehicle information sharing with recyclers is not optional; it’s essential for a green, functioning, and profitable automotive ecosystem.
Private Equity and Stakeholders: Are You Listening?
Consolidation is accelerating. Private equity firms see the value in our industry, and they should. But investment without understanding is dangerous. This is not simply a “parts business.” It is a deeply technical, community-rooted profession built on relationships, compliance, and ingenuity. Success depends on respecting that culture and supporting the recyclers who have dedicated their lives to it. Thankfully, our associations have industry experts on their boards, working to further enhance all aspects of what we do for the benefit of all. Representation from all backgrounds are engaged for the right reasons, including those from private equity who recognize the value of collaboration with the industry at large. We are lucky to have this level of engagement on such a high level.
Professional recyclers are not looking for handouts; we are looking for partnership. With the right capital invested in our industry in meaningful ways, such as for training and technological resources, we can scale our impact, improve efficiencies, and drive real returns for investors and society alike. However, if stakeholders overlook the expertise of recyclers, they risk fragmenting the industry with too many third-party programs and undermining the very foundation that makes this industry thrive. Cybersecurity concerns also come into play with bad actors having too much access to our critical systems. We can’t allow that to happen.
Pride, Ingenuity, and Resilience
At its core, auto recycling is not rocket science; we buy salvage, we sell parts, and we recycle the rest. But the pride, effort, and ingenuity behind those simple steps are immeasurable. We are innovators who find solutions where none exist. We are educators passing down hard-earned wisdom to the next generation. We are problem solvers transforming complex vehicles into usable, affordable, and environmentally responsible parts.
Our associations, ARC, ARA and URG, are lifelines, keeping us connected and united. Through them, we amplify our voices, push for recognition, and fight for the resources we need. But even with these platforms, we need stakeholders, automakers, insurers, governments, and investors alike to not only hear us but act on what they hear.
Moving Forward Together
Auto recycling has always been great, but it can be much greater. If stakeholders open their hearts, minds, and wallets to the reality of our work, the industry can flourish like never before. Professional recyclers are engaged, experienced, and eager to carry the industry forward. What we ask is simple: support us, invest in us, and let us do what we do best – deliver value, create opportunities, and build a greener, more sustainable world.
