New joint certification establishes an audited standard for quality, safety, customer service and accountability in professional automotive recycling
MANASSAS, Va. and GEORGETOWN, Texas — October 12, 2026 — The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) and United Recyclers Group (URG) today announced the launch of CARE — Certified Automotive Recycler of Excellence, a new jointly administered program designed to establish a higher, measurable standard for professional automotive recycling facilities.
CARE brings together industry-leading standards for quality, safety, parts grading, recall compliance, customer service and continuous improvement under a single audited program.
Unlike programs based primarily on self-attestation, CARE requires participating facilities to demonstrate ongoing compliance with established standards and undergo regular audits to maintain the designation.
“CARE represents where professional automotive recycling is headed,” said Vince Edivan, Executive Director of the Automotive Recyclers Association. “Our customers, industry partners and marketplaces increasingly want to know not simply where a recycled part came from, but that the company selling it follows documented processes for safety, quality, traceability and customer service. CARE provides a meaningful way for professional recyclers to demonstrate that commitment.”
CARE builds upon ARA’s Certified Automotive Recycler (CAR) Program while incorporating quality-assurance practices developed through ARA, URG and previous industry certification programs.
Facilities pursuing CARE certification must first maintain ARA Certified Automotive Recycler status. They then complete the CARE Quality Compliance Program, designate a Quality Manager, document required procedures, measure key performance indicators and successfully complete an audit. Certified facilities are audited annually to maintain their CARE designation.
Core elements of CARE include documented parts grading and warranties, vehicle and part traceability, recall screening and stop-sale procedures, customer feedback and complaint-resolution processes, insurance requirements, performance measurement and continuous improvement.
“Recyclers have invested for years in improving their businesses, their processes and the quality of the products they sell,” said Kristi Werner, Chief Executive Officer of United Recyclers Group. “CARE gives those businesses an opportunity to demonstrate that professionalism through a consistent standard that is measurable, auditable and meaningful to the customers and partners they serve.”
For buyers, CARE is intended to provide greater confidence in the recycled OEM parts supply chain. CARE-certified facilities follow established requirements for parts descriptions and grading, identify the source vehicle, perform required recall screening on designated safety components and maintain documented procedures for customer concerns and corrective action.
For recyclers, CARE provides an opportunity to differentiate businesses that invest in professional operating standards while creating a common framework that insurers, collision repairers, mechanical repairers, online marketplaces and other recycled-parts buyers can recognize.
“Certification has to mean something,” Edivan added. “The objective is not to hand out another logo. The objective is to create a standard that helps excellent recyclers become better businesses while giving the marketplace confidence in who they are buying from.”
CARE is open to qualifying ARA and URG member facilities. The first year of CARE participation is currently included with either ARA or URG membership.
Facilities are provided up to 12 months to complete the onboarding and certification process.
Automotive recyclers interested in becoming CARE Certified can learn more and begin the enrollment process at CARECertified.org.
About CARE
CARE — Certified Automotive Recycler of Excellence — is a quality and compliance certification program jointly administered by the Automotive Recyclers Association and United Recyclers Group. CARE establishes audited standards addressing quality, safety, parts grading, recall compliance, traceability, customer service and continuous improvement for professional automotive recycling facilities.
About the Automotive Recyclers Association
Since 1943 the Automotive Recyclers Association has been representing professional automotive recyclers and promoting responsible business practices, education, training, certification and advocacy supporting the safe and sustainable reuse of original equipment automotive parts.
About United Recyclers Group
United Recyclers Group is a member-owned network serving professional automotive recyclers through business tools, innovative technology, data protection, education, training, operational support and more.
Media Contact:
ARA
Vince Edivan
Vince@a-r-a.org
URG
Kristi Werner
CARE Program: care@carecertified.org
