Recycling of tyres

The topic of tire recycling has become increasingly crucial in today’s environmental landscape. In Italy, as in the rest of the world, the accumulation of used tires posed a significant environmental challenge. However, in recent decades, considerable efforts have been made to address and minimize this issue.

In past years, Italy faced a growing problem related to the disposal of end-of-life tires. The uncontrolled accumulation of tires posed a risk to both the environment and public health. However, starting in the 1990s, laws and regulations were introduced to regulate disposal and promote recycling.

The progress in the tire recycling model over the years has been remarkable. From an approach primarily focused on disposal, the shift has been towards a more sustainable model aimed at reusing and recycling tire materials. Many innovative technologies have been developed to transform used tires into valuable materials such as rubber granules, which are primarily used for asphalt, sports flooring coatings, or even energy.

In recent years, Italy’s policies focusing on tire recycling have made significant advancements. Collection centers and recycling plants have been established across the country, while economic incentives have stimulated the recycling industry. On an international level, significant steps have also been taken. Global organizations such as the European Union have introduced strict regulations on tire recycling, promoting research and the development of new technologies for their reuse.

Today, we can say that tire recycling has become a well-established practice, but many challenges remain. While many of the most developed countries have made significant progress, some regions still struggle with uncontrolled disposal. Additionally, new challenges are emerging with increasing urgency, such as low-environmental-impact tire recycling and the management of chemical residues from post-production.

Before delving deeper into the tire recycling process, it is essential to spend a moment discussing the tire itself to better understand its composition.

Tires are made from a complex blend of materials, including rubber, steel, and textile fibers. They are non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for decades.

For simplicity, we can summarize their composition as follows:

– 41% rubber (both natural and synthetic)
– 30% additives (to enhance technical properties)
– 15% textile fibers and metals (woven together to create the “skeleton” of the tire)
– 14% chemical additives for production and tire durability

Being composed of textile fibers and metals, proper recycling requires first separating these components from the primary element, which is rubber.

The recycling of tires is a crucial topic in the field of environmental sustainability. With millions of tires replaced every year worldwide, managing their disposal represents a significant ecological challenge.

Tires are an essential component of all vehicles, but unfortunately, they are not eternal. Once worn out, what happens to them? Their recycling is crucial for environmental sustainability. Let’s take a closer look at the fate of used tires and the different stages they go through, both in Italy and around the world.

In Italy, the journey of used tires begins with the collection phase. Thanks to a widespread network of collection centers and authorized treatment facilities across the country, most discarded tires are properly recovered. Once collected, the tires are sent to specialized processing plants, where they undergo a series of procedures to prepare them for the recycling phase.

Tire manufacturers and importers (as regulated by Decree 11.04.11 n. 82) are responsible for the collection and disposal of end-of-life tires. EcoTyre and Ecopneus are the two largest Italian consortia accredited by the PFU Committee. Through a network of tire dealers, collectors, and dismantlers, they store, separate, and transport tires to specialized treatment companies.

Every consumer purchasing a tire contributes an environmental fee. This fee is paid by consumers to cover the costs of collection, treatment, and recovery of the end-of-life tire.

The collection and recycling of tires represent a significant challenge within the framework of the circular economy. In Italy, this process is managed with care and dedication, involving various specialized operators. Consider that:

Over the past ten years, more than 3.3 million tons of end-of-life tires have been collected.

These are impressive numbers, further confirming that approximately 46% of collected tires have been used for energy recovery through incineration, while the remaining 54% has been processed for material recovery, meaning actual recycling. This distribution highlights a balance between different needs, including energy supply and environmental sustainability.

The trend is constantly growing, and the collection of end-of-life tires is proving effective. With the numbers continuing to rise, the amount of harmful emissions into the air decreases, as confirmed by the latest data from the Ecopneus consortium.

In the rest of the world, the fate of used tires can vary significantly depending on the level of economic development and the environmental policies adopted by individual countries.

In wealthier and more developed countries, such as those in the European Union and the United States, well-organized systems manage the entire lifecycle of used tires, from production to disposal/recycling. Most tires are collected and sent to recycling plants, where they undergo treatment similar to what happens in Italy. However, in recent years, more advanced initiatives have emerged, such as using recycled rubber in the production of new tires, further closing the loop of circularity.

While in Italy and other developed nations, tire recycling has reached advanced levels, developing countries still face significant challenges. It is therefore crucial to continue raising public awareness about the importance of recycling and promoting supportive policies and global initiatives to ensure the sustainable management of used tires worldwide.

Tires, as previously mentioned, are a fundamental part of modern vehicles. But when the time comes to replace them, an important question arises: how are used tires disposed of? Tire disposal is a crucial process for reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

Before delving into the disposal process, it is important to better understand the lifecycle of tires. Tires are manufactured using a variety of materials, including natural and synthetic rubber, steel, and textile fibers, as previously mentioned. These materials undergo complex engineering processes to be assembled into a final product that is highly durable and safe for road use.

Once mounted on vehicles, tires experience normal wear due to friction with asphalt and exposure to the elements. When tires reach the end of their lifespan, replacing them becomes necessary to ensure vehicle safety and performance.

The disposal of used tires is essential to prevent them from becoming harmful environmental waste. Fortunately, most used tires are managed through dedicated recycling programs. One of the most common methods for used tire disposal is recycling. In this process, tires are shredded into small fragments that, once separated, can be repurposed for various applications. For example, rubber fragments can be used for road surfaces, playground flooring, or even in construction as acoustic insulation. In addition to rubber, other materials such as steel from tires are separated and recycled to reduce waste and preserve natural resources.

Beyond recycling, there are other methods for disposing of used tires. One of these is controlled incineration, where tires are burned in specially designed facilities to generate energy. This process can contribute to the production of electricity, reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources. However, tire incineration must be carefully managed to prevent the release of harmful substances into the environment. Regulation and supervision are crucial to ensuring that this disposal method is safe and efficient.

The disposal of used tires is a complex process that requires a holistic approach to minimize environmental impact and maximize resource recovery. Through recycling and other controlled disposal methods, it is possible to reduce waste and preserve natural resources.

As consumers, we can contribute to this process by ensuring that we properly dispose of used tires through the appropriate channels. Additionally, we can seek out tire manufacturers that adopt sustainable practices and use recycled materials in their production.

In conclusion, tire disposal is a crucial aspect of waste management and the promotion of environmental sustainability. Through a collective commitment to responsible disposal practices, we can help preserve our planet for future generations.

Material Recycling: Once separated, the materials from used tires are ready to be recycled and reused in various applications. For example, shredded rubber can be used to produce rubber flooring, gaskets, or components for sound insulation. Textile fibers, on the other hand, can be used in the production of recycled fabrics or materials for the construction industry. Even the recovered metal can be melted down and repurposed to create new steel products. This process of material recycling not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also helps conserve natural resources and reduce pollution.

Material Recycling: One of the most common ways to reuse used tires is through material recycling. Tires contain a mixture of rubber, steel, and fibers that can be separated and recycled. The rubber can be shredded and used to create rubber-modified asphalt (RAC), which is used to pave more resilient and durable roads. Steel can be recovered and melted down for use in new metal products, while fibers can be transformed into insulation materials for buildings or other textile products.

A special mention goes to rubber, the main component obtained from tire recycling, which finds numerous new applications depending on whether it is in the form of granules or rubber powder.

Tire recycling is not just about environmental responsibility; it also presents a significant economic and social opportunity. Used tires offer a chance for innovation and sustainability. When our old tires reach the end of their lifecycle, many of us may wonder: what can be done with them? The answer is: much more than you might think. Here’s an overview of what can be done with used tires.

2. Rubber Powder: A significant portion of recycled rubber is transformed into fine powder, primarily used in asphalt. Asphalt containing recycled rubber is not just a conventional solution; it also offers unique advantages:

• Noise Reduction: Capable of reducing noise levels by 5-10 decibels.
• Increased Durability: Lasts up to three times longer than traditional asphalt.
• Improved Drainage: Enhances water drainage, making roads safer by preventing issues like hydroplaning.

And one might wonder: “So, can a recycled tire be turned into a new tire?” In reality, the tire recycling process focuses on extracting and transforming materials into different products. While recycled rubber has numerous applications, the production of new tires requires specific materials and processes.

Tire Retreading: An increasingly common practice is the retreading of used tires. This process involves repairing and reconstructing tires so they can be reused. Retreading not only reduces the number of tires ending up in landfills but also conserves natural resources used in the production of new tires.

Use as a Construction Material: Used tires can be utilized as a construction material in various ways. They can be employed to create retaining walls in civil engineering projects or used as fill material for road construction and playground areas. This type of reuse not only provides a practical solution for the disposal of used tires but also helps reduce the use of virgin materials in construction.

Creation of Artistic and Decorative Objects: Used tires can become a valuable material for artists and craftsmen. With a bit of creativity and craftsmanship, tires can be transformed into works of art, unique furniture, or decorative elements for gardens and public spaces. This type of reuse adds aesthetic value to used tires and demonstrates that even objects considered waste can become a source of inspiration and beauty.

Combustion for Energy: Although not the most sustainable method, used tires can be utilized as an energy source through combustion. This process, known as energy recovery, can provide heat or generate electricity. However, it is important to note that tire combustion can release pollutants into the atmosphere. Therefore, this method should only be used as a last resort and with proper filtration systems to minimize environmental impact.

In conclusion, we can affirm that tire recycling not only provides environmental benefits but also brings economic and social advantages. In addition to reducing pollution and harmful emissions, it contributes to economic savings by producing recycled materials and lowering disposal costs. Moreover, it offers an opportunity to promote sustainable practices, fostering innovation and collaboration towards a circular economy.

This approach not only improves environmental quality but also supports job creation in the recycling sector and enhances environmental awareness within society. Ultimately, tire recycling represents a fundamental pillar in the strategy for a greener and more sustainable future, where the balance between economic prosperity, social well-being, and environmental protection becomes a priority.