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| Waste Tyres | | | The UK produces nearly million used tyres each year from domestic, commercial and industrial vehicles. As vehicle ownership increases and tyres are changed more regularly, waste tyres are expected to grow by 50% by 2020. Some of these tyres are exported as "part worn" to overseas markets, some are used for engineering and marine purposes. Most waste tyres are landfilled - around 160,000 tonnes annually.
Tyres have a high energy value - similar to coal - and their use as a substitute fuel in cement making is growing. Tight controls are applied to emissions from tyre fuel under the Waste Incineration Directive, enforced by the agencies. Other markets using crumbed tyres as a lightweight or safety filler for tarmac or for spports surfaces are also growing.
The EU Landfill Directive introduced a ban on landfilling whole tyres in July 2003. From July 2006 the landfilling of shredded tyres will be banned.
As a consequence of this ban and the lack of an alternative technology to dispose of large quantities of used tyres there are millions of used tyres stockpiled around the country, some in illegal dumps.
Although tyres are by and large inert and decompose only over long periods of time, they do pose a risk to the environment through uncontrolled fires, especially if stockpiled. These fires can be extremely difficult to control and can cause both air and water pollution.
If you have quantities of used tyres consult a registered waste company regarding collection and disposal.
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