Toronto, Ontario -- The benefits of the auto recycling sector were highlighted in a recent episode of All Access, a U.S. television program hosted by Andy Garcia that produces short, documentary-style features explaining how industries and technologies work for a general audience.
The episode focuses on the modern automotive recycling industry and follows what happens after a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurer. It shows how professional recyclers recover, process and supply original equipment parts back into the repair market, challenging long-held perceptions of scrapyards as informal or outdated operations.
In the video, Kristi Warner, chief executive of United Recyclers Group, addresses common misconceptions. “The perception of auto recyclers is that we are still junkyards, which is really far from the truth,” Warner said.
“What I don’t think consumers understand is what happens to a vehicle after an accident and the insurance company totals it. Well, that’s where the auto recycler comes into play,” she added.
“We’re clean, organized and run like precision logistics companies,” said Matt Carman, chief executive of Lentini Auto Salvage.
The Automotive Recyclers of Canada praised the segment in a social media post, saying it does a strong job of portraying the industry as it operates today.
The segment shows clean facilities, organized yards and technology-driven inventory systems designed to track and distribute parts efficiently. Industry leaders say those systems are central to meeting insurer and repairer expectations for quality and reliability.
The program also highlights the consumer and environmental benefits of recycled parts. “There are countless benefits to using a used part to repair your vehicle,” said Kelly Roepke, president and general manager of Y-Yard Auto and Truck Inc.
“First, I would say cost... We also do a lot to preserve the environment,” she added.
Industry groups say appearances on general-interest programs like All Access are increasingly important as repair costs rise and sustainability becomes a bigger factor in purchasing and repair decisions. Recycled original equipment parts are typically less expensive than new components and reduce the demand for new manufacturing.
United Recyclers Group says the goal of the segment is to show consumers, insurers and repairers what professional automotive recycling looks like today and to reinforce the sector’s role in controlling costs and supporting environmental stewardship.
