ARM Supports Right to Repair Legislation

The Automotive Recyclers of Massachusetts are part of the Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition because we believe that consumers must retrain their right to choose where to have their vehicles serviced.  On January 13, 2020 ARM members and representatives appeared at a public hearing at the Statehouse in Boston convened by the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure to hear testimony regarding the new Right to Repair bill.

In his testimony to the board, ARM President David Petrillo wrote:

“Recyclers and independent repair shops are integral to the open-access auto service supply chain for consumers. Many of the parts that we recycle are sold through independent repair shops, saving Massachusetts residents money every day and helping our environment. The legislation before you today is essential to keep this market open and fair, for the benefit of consumers. It’s their car, and they should have access to all the information they need to operate and service their vehicle.

The Automotive Recyclers of Massachusetts represents more than 300 licensed companies that employ more than 3,500 people. We promote established best practices for the proper reuse and recycling of automotive vehicles and their parts. ARM members provide consumers and small businesses across Massachusetts with affordable alternatives for replacement parts to keep their cars and trucks in good working condition. Furthermore, using recycled auto parts significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new parts. In fact, a 2017 study done at Worcester Polytechnic Institute showed that auto recyclers in Massachusetts help reduce the state’s carbon footprint by at least 2.2 million tons of CO2 annually, which is equivalent to the emissions from 388,00 cars for an entire year.”

For more information on the issue see:  https://massrighttorepair.org

2019 ARM Membership Meeting

Here are some photos from the fall 2019 ARM Membership Meeting held on September 18 at J. Anthony’s Italian Grill in Auburn. In addition to a cocktail hour and buffet dinner, the meeting featured three presentations. ARM’s government relations and communications consultants Robert and Michael Cohen gave an update and fielded questions on pending state legislation that could impact the recycling industry. Paul D’Adamo of Rebuilders Automotive Supply discussed his company’s airbag buyback program for recalled Takata airbags. Marge Morneau and Anne Crouss from RELCO Compliance Services presented an update on hazmat training and the new stormwater runoff permits that will be required in 2020.