An automotive recycler certification program, launched by NSF International, aims to provide independent, third-party certification to verify that automotive recyclers are able to meet grading, labeling and traceability requirements as well as federal, state and local recycler requirements.The global standards and certification organization introduced the NSF Full-Service Automotive Recycler Certification Program last week and says it is needed because automobiles are among the most recycled commodities in the marketplace.
The professional automotive recycling industry recycles more than 4 million motor vehicles annually in the US and Canada alone and generates $32 billion a year in US sales, according to the Automotive Recyclers Association. About 86 percent of a vehicle’s material content is recycled, reused or used for energy recovery.
“With NSF recycler certification, qualifying recyclers now have a way to differentiate themselves in terms of providing high-quality recycled parts with regular audits of their processes,” said Roger Schroder of Car-Part.com, an industry expert who sponsored and helped develop the protocol on which the certification program is based.
Automotive recyclers and industry experts worked with NSF International to develop the requirements for the NSF Full-Service Automotive Recycler Certification Program in accordance with American National Standards Institute procedures.
NSF International says the program will help insurers, regulators and consumers identify certified recyclers who meet all requirements including those pertaining to business, licensing, reporting, environment and safety. The program also includes operations requirements for vehicle acquisition, dismantling, equipment, parts storage, customer service and sales.
Recyclers that meet all certification requirements can use the NSF Certified Automotive Recycler mark on their website and promotional materials. NSF certified recyclers also will be included in NSF’s online certification listings and undergo ongoing facility audits to maintain certification.
Although 95 percent of vehicles are recycled at the end of their practical life, the recycling of plastic automotive parts is still in its infancy, according to SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, because recycling some plastic and polymer composite car parts can be costly and technologically challenging.
