Standard Auto Wreckers spent 2022 fostering partnerships, advocating for change

As the owners of two auto recycling facilities—one in Port Hope, Ontario and another in Scarborough—David and Ken Gold are always aiming for high standards.

The Golds are also known for their work within the communities they operate. The business was recognized by Port Hope’s mayor in the summer of 2021 and was recently honoured for its longstanding work with the Markham Fire Auto Extrication team.

The team continues to practice at Standard’s Scarborough, Ontario, location, prepping for the national auto extrication competition to be held this May. Ken and David received a certification of appreciation from Markham’s mayor, Frank Scarpitti, for their work with the local firefighters.

“This may look like a simple training exercise, but what happens here saves vital seconds on the scene,” said Scarpitti. “The best thing we can do is give back to our community,” said David. “To be part of the community where many of us live, and to give back in whatever way we can. We show our appreciation through this training partnership—for us, that’s all we need.”

David also spent some time in 2022 advocating for automakers to develop non-metal waste recycling procedures via an article in the Toronto Star. “Plastics, fabrics, foams are all shredder ‘fluff’ that is bound for the landfill—economically, it doesn’t make sense,” he said.

Instead, David wants to see automakers actively engage with recyclers to develop guidelines around non-metal waste recycling. “They don’t provide any information on dismantling their vehicles. We’re working on a Right to Repair act—maybe it’s time for a Right to Recycle act, too.”