ARA report spells out emissions reduction impact

The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), Manassas, Virginia, has released the results of a research study it commissioned to document how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced by harvesting and reselling salvaged automotive components.

The research was conducted by the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts and focused on the use of recycled original equipment manufactured (ROE) automotive parts.

“The study adds facts to the discussion of what professional automotive recyclers have known for decades—using recycled parts for repairs has proven to be a good economical decision as well as good for our environment,” the ARA says.

In 2023 and 2024, WPI researchers focused on 10 commonly salvaged automotive parts from three classes of vehicles: a sedan, an SUV and a pickup truck. The 10 parts analyzed were the engine, transmission, front bumper, headlight, front door, wheel, fender, tailgate, hood and door mirror. 

“Using detailed compositions of these specific parts, researchers quantified the energy required to manufacture the parts and the GHG emissions associated with generating that energy,” ARA says. 

“ARA members know the impact their businesses have on the environment through their day-to-day operations,” ARA Executive Director Vince Edivan says. “ARA’s Certified Automotive Recycler (CAR) program places great emphasis on processing end-of-life vehicles in an environmentally responsible manner. This is something our members take great pride in. Now we have quantifiable data to illustrate just how big of an environmental impact automotive recyclers have.”

The complete report, including descriptions of its methodology and specific GHG emissions saved for 30 specific automotive parts when using a recycled OEM part instead of a new part, can be requested through the ARA website.

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“This information will help companies and communities make more informed decisions when enacting their carbon neutrality goals,” ARA President Eric Wilbert says. “ARA looks forward to more effectively telling the story to consumers, policymakers and other stakeholders about the automotive recycling industry’s critical impact on the environment now that we have this hard data.”