RMA: Scrap Tyre Re-use Continues to Rise in USA

A new study by the RMA shows that nearly 90 per cent of tyres that are replaced every year are put to a new productive use. In fact, the study shows, the reuse rate of scrap tyres tops most recovered waste materials including glass bottles, paper and aluminum cans. The RMA said the report “shows continued progress in scrap tyre management practices across the nation resulting in significant reduction of scrap tire stockpiles and continued progress in putting waste tyres to new uses.”

In 2007, 89.3 per cent of the scrap tyres generated in the US by weight were consumed in end-use markets. By comparison, in 2005, about 82 per cent of tyres were consumed by weight, and in 1990, only 11 per cent of tyres were consumed on a per tyre basis. The total volume of scrap tyres consumed in end-use markets in the US in 2007 reached approximately 4105.8 thousand tons of tyres – the largest amount ever since RMA began tabulating scrap tyre statistics.

RMA estimates that about 4,595.7 thousand tons of tyres were generated in the US in 2007. Scrap tyres were consumed by a variety of markets, including tyre-derived fuel, civil engineering and ground rubber applications. The RMA publication, “Scrap Tire Markets in the U.S.; 9th Biennial Report,” is available free for download at www.rma.org. (Tire Review/Akron)