From the Yard to the Living Room: URG Brings Automotive Recycling to National Television

United Recyclers Group (URG) used a national TV segment on All Access with Andy Garcia to correct outdated “junkyard” stereotypes and explain, in plain language, how professional recyclers reclaim, test and warranty recycled OEM parts after a total loss. URG says wider consumer and insurer awareness can reduce repair costs, delays and environmental impact.

Kelly Roepke, Kristi Werner and Matt Carman pose in front of a URG display during the All Access feature. — L-R: Kelly Roepke – President and General Manager of Y-Yard Auto & Truck Inc. and URG Board of Directors, Kristi Werner – CEO of URG and Matt Carman – CEO of Lentini Auto Salvage and URG Board of Directors.

The automotive recycling has stepped into American living rooms with a segment on national television on All Access with Andy Garcia.

United Recyclers Group (URG) was featured on All Access, a nationally distributed public television program hosted by Andy Garcia, marking a rare moment where the automotive recycling industry was explained directly to the general public, clearly, accurately, and without industry jargon.

For URG, the appearance was about more than visibility. It was about changing a conversation that has been wrong for decades.

kristi-werner-urg-all-access-with-andy-garcia-set — Kristi Werner

“For most people, the word ‘junkyard’ still comes with a mental picture that just doesn’t reflect reality,” said Kristi Werner, CEO of United Recyclers Group. “That misunderstanding doesn’t just hurt recyclers, it hurts consumers, insurers, repairers, and ultimately the environment. This segment gave us the opportunity to finally show what really happens after a vehicle is totaled.”

Educating the Public on What Happens After a Total Loss

The All Access episode walks viewers through the true automotive life cycle: what happens when a vehicle is declared a total loss and how professional auto recyclers step in to reclaim, test, and reuse original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.

Rather than scrap and waste, the segment highlights precision: advanced inventory systems, quality assurance processes, warranties, and logistics networks that return genuine OEM parts back into the repair ecosystem.

This distinction matters, especially as vehicles become more complex and repair costs continue to rise.

“Recycled OEM parts are often misunderstood,” said Kelly Roepke, President and General Manager of Y-Yard Auto & Truck Inc., who also appears in the segment. “These are factory-made parts designed specifically for the vehicle, not generic aftermarket alternatives. When consumers understand that, they realize they’re getting quality, safety, and cost savings, without compromise.”

Why National Exposure Matters Right Now

URG’s decision to participate in a general-interest television program reflects a broader shift in strategy: meeting consumers where decisions are formed, not after they’ve already been made.

Most drivers don’t know they can request recycled OEM parts. Many don’t realize that a single unavailable new part can force an insurer to total a repairable vehicle. And few understand that choosing a recycled part can save money, shorten repair times, and dramatically reduce environmental impact.

By placing automotive recycling on national television, URG aimed to close that knowledge gap.

“This wasn’t a message for recyclers, we already know the value of what we do,” Werner said. “This was about educating consumers, insurers, and repairers at the same time, in plain language, through a trusted public platform.”

Changing Perception Changes Outcomes

The episode also reinforces the scale and professionalism of today’s industry. URG members process tens of millions of OEM parts annually, keeping materials in circulation, reducing landfill waste, and helping conserve resources that would otherwise be consumed by new manufacturing.

But beyond numbers, the segment highlights people: a collaborative, family-like industry culture; growing female leadership in a traditionally male space; and a shared commitment to doing things better than they were done before.

“When people see the facilities, the technology, and the standards, it reframes the entire industry,” said Roepke. “That’s when recycled parts stop feeling like a risk and start feeling like the smart choice.”

A Moment, Not a Campaign

URG views the All Access feature not as a one-off media win, but as part of a longer-term effort to elevate how automotive recycling is understood outside the industry.

From consumer education and insurer engagement to training, certification, and advocacy, URG continues to invest in ensuring recycled OEM parts are recognized as a legitimate, reliable, and essential part of modern vehicle repair.

“This was about telling the truth of our industry, clearly, confidently, and publicly,” Werner said. “And we’re just getting started.”

The full All Access segment featuring United Recyclers Group is available to watch at: www.allaccessptv.com

About United Recyclers Group (URG)

Founded in 1995 by recyclers for recyclers, United Recyclers Group represents hundreds of professional automotive recycling facilities across North America. URG provides technology, education, advocacy, and business solutions that help recyclers operate efficiently, sustainably, and profitably, while advancing consumer awareness and choice in vehicle repair.