For nearly 40 years, Dany Rousseau has been working in the automobile industry. Today, as a partner-owner of Brassard Pièces d’auto and a member of Eco Pièces, he takes pride in contributing to automobile recycling due to the significant role this sector plays in our society.

This sector of the automobile industry is crucial for managing end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) and protecting the environment. In Quebec, this activity is particularly well-organized and regulated. The company Brassard Pièces d’auto in Saint-Amable is a leading reference in this field.

Dany Rousseau, who has served on the administrative committee of the Association des recycleurs de pièces d'autos et de camions (ARPAC), is well-versed in the responsibilities assumed by recyclers. [Translation] "They recover damaged vehicles from insurance companies, used vehicles from dealerships, or end-of-life vehicles directly from their owners. They dismantle them to recover reusable parts and decontaminate them to give these parts a second life," he explains. These parts are thoroughly tested before being sold.

Mr. Rousseau highlights that a recycler must also handle hazardous materials such as certain fluids (brake fluid, freon, oil, etc.) and other risky substances to comply with environmental regulations and avoid contamination. [Translation] "The remaining materials, such as plastic, non-ferrous metals, and glass, are sorted and sent to specialized facilities for recycling to be transformed into new raw materials."

By recycling vehicles, companies like Brassard Pièces d’auto significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. This helps preserve natural spaces and reduce water and soil pollution. "Recycling parts and materials, allows these elements to be reintroduced into the production cycle, thereby reducing the demand for original raw materials.

By decreasing the need to produce new parts, we can lower CO2 emissions associated with manufacturing and transportation.

As we can see, we are far from what’s often called 'a scrap yard," adds Dany Rousseau,

Eco Pièces is, in fact, a network of 17 recyclers across all regions of Quebec, employing more than 600 people. [Translation] "When you need an auto part, you should instinctively turn to a recycling center offering new or recycled ecological parts. As mechanics, you also have access to the Eco Pièces center and can recommend them to your clients. It’s more economical and ecological, and by doing so, you support this sector of the industry," concludes Dany Rousseau.