Tyres to Coke plant proposed

Moncktons Coke and Chemical Company has submitted an application to the Environment Agency to use tyres in its coke manufacturing process. Anticipating a healthy market for used tyres, Moncktons is aiming to become one of the first businesses in the UK to use tyres to make coke on a commercial basis. The company has already conducted successful trials at its plant in Barnsley using 7 per cent crumbed tyres with coal in its carbonising process.

The company plans to use up to 20,000 tonnes of tyres a year in its 42 ovens and already has planning permission from the local authority to build a tyre crumbing facility on the site. Upon completion of controlled trials the company has applied to the Environment Agency to widen its Pollution Prevention and Control Permit to cover waste tyres. The company hopes to start using tyres in its coke ovens in autumn 2004.