`<1>` KATRA :: Kentucky Auto and Truck Recyclers Association
Kentucky Auto and Truck Recyclers Association
The Kentucky Auto and Truck Recyclers Association consists of more than 75 facilities whose purpose is to collect or purchase used or damaged automobiles for the purpose of dismantling and recycling usable parts and accessories. The group provides services for over 50,000 customers on an annual basis. The activities at member facilities include the dismantlement and removal of various parts from automobiles for wholesale or retail sale.

Auto Recycling: The Oldest and Most Successful Recycling Industry

Here are 6 major benefits from the salvage industry:

  1. Automotive recyclers can provide wholesale and retail customers with quality parts that sell or up to 50% less than the comparable new parts. This option in the marketplace even allows for OEMs to reduce their prices.
  2. Automotive recyclers are a valuable source for economical and often hard to find used motor vehicle replacement parts. Professional auto recyclers can use computer communication systems that enable for direct inventory assessment to locate specific and unique parts.
  3. Automotive recycling decreases insurance rates by purchasing inoperative vehicles from insurance companies, thus allowing for recovery of financial losses. These vehicles come primarily from individual owners and salvage auctions.
  4. Automotive recycling keeps highways and roads clear of abandoned and disabled vehicles by providing a place to deposit these vehicles.
  5. The environmental benefits of the salvage industry are substantial - recycling is a perfect example of a sustainable industry which yields environmental benefits while also using market driven principles to create “green” jobs. ARA estimates that each year the industry collects and reuse or recycles:
    • 100.8 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel
    • 24 million gallons of motor oil
    • 8 million gallons of engine coolant
    • 4.5 million gallons of windshield washer fluid
    • 96% of all lead acid batteries
  6. Using recycled scrap iron and steel reduces the use of virgin iron ore, among other environmental benefits. Every ton of new steel made from scrap steel conserves
    • 2,500 lbs. of iron ore
    • 1,400 lbs. of coal
    • 120 lbs. of limestone