Tyre recycling: an issue that involves you

As a key contributor to your comfort and safety, tyres combine rubber with various chemical additives. Some manufacturers are currently working on more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, which could be brought to market in the coming years. Until we achieve the anticipated radical transformation of their composition and production, tyres in their current form will require special end-of-life processing. As a motorist, what information and initiatives should you be aware of?

Waste that keeps its secrets well hidden

Every year, 1.6 billion new tyres are sold around the world, which represents approximately 26 million tonnes of rubber: a significant figure in terms of waste processing. Requirements are tending to increase, for two reasons:

The growth of countries where the level of facilities is still low
As well as the development of electric cars.

In effect, the latter consume more rubber, specifically because they are generally heavier than their older petrol/diesel counterparts.

Are you interested in this subject? Read our article on tyres for electric cars.

Although tyres are not classed as hazardous waste, they nevertheless fall into the category of waste subject to careful monitoring. We know that they pose a danger to the environment and public health in the event of fires at illegal dumping sites, because of the emission of toxic gases. More unexpectedly, they occasionally provide a haven for mosquitoes, which potentially carry viruses.

Putting a brake on pollution

To reduce their spread in the great outdoors, a European directive banned them from being disposed of in landfill as of 16th July 2001. Since then, there have been numerous circular economy initiatives. In countries such as France and Switzerland, tyre waste is managed in accordance with the principle of producer responsibility: those who place tyres on the market must ensure they are taken back.

Dedicated channels manage this take-back, followed by recycling. They are the only ones who are allowed to process used tyres. Spain has also been a leading country in this area since the late 1990s, before Germany and other European Union countries followed suit.

Nice to know

First, these organisations check whether the tyres are reusable or not. Reuse is always preferable, in the case, for example, of a crashed vehicle with tyres that have recently been changed. If the tyres are intact, they can be directly returned to use. If they are a little worn, they can sometimes be sent to repair channels. This is where the technique of retreading comes in. This consists of refurbishing a tyre by replacing the worn tread. In both cases the tyres are no longer regarded as waste.

The 1001 lives of a tyre

From the moment a tyre is regarded as not in use, it is recycled… in a new way! So used tyres are sent to processing centres and there are various ways of recovering and reusing the resulting material.

Did you know that your exercise mat could be made up, in part, of waste tyres?

In effect, one of the two main reuses involves material recovery: the products are ground to form granulates and are used in the composition of objects or clothing, including many kinds of sports and leisure equipment. Athletics tracks, play areas, shooting range boards, artificial grass and equestrian surfaces can be produced using this process!

Tyre granulates are also increasingly found in road surfaces. Why? Rubber offers greater acoustic comfort as vehicles pass over it. It is also used in the creation of noise barriers.

A large proportion of the products processed are involved in energy recovery. As tyres contain carbon, they can be used as fuel and replace coal in industry. They are used in this way in cement works or steel mills.

They can become so many things, benefiting the circular economy and reducing environmental impacts. So, how can you ensure that your old tyres will join this virtuous cycle?

The ball is in your court

You need to ask yourself two questions, Pneus Online explains everything.

Who is responsible for taking back used tyres?

It might be you if new tyres ordered on line are delivered directly to your home. All you need to do is take your used tyres to a collection or sorting centre. However, if your tyres are supplied by a fitting centre, the garage is obliged to take back your old tyres.

Has the environmental tax been paid? (if this applies in your country)

This tax, also known as the eco-contribution, is a statutory tax. It must be paid by any buyer of tyres and benefits an environmental organisation responsible for processing and recycling. Without it, tyres will not have a new life! It is often included in a new tyre seller’s price: however, if it does not appear clearly, you are entitled to ask for it to be itemised on your invoice.

Whatever your situation or place of residence, Pneus Online is committed to offering you the most suitable and sustainable solutions possible. You can find more tyre advice on our dedicated page.