UK Tyre Derived Rubber Materials Protocol Released

The final version of the Environmental Agency and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) quality protocol has been released after approval by the European Commission. The 'Quality Protocol for Tyre-derived Rubber Materials', made public on November 3, finally provides a separate classification for rubber materials manufactured from waste tyres; classification as a product as opposed to a waste, as was previously the case, removes such items from waste regulation.

“Uncertainty over the point at which waste has been fully recovered and ceases to be waste within the meaning of Article 1(1)(a) of the EU Waste Framework Directive (2006/12/EC) has inhibited the development and marketing of materials produced from waste which could be used beneficially without damaging human health and the environment,” explains the protocol in its foreword. “In some cases, this uncertainty has also inhibited the recovery and recycling of waste and its diversion from landfill.

WRAP and the Environmental Agency report that the protocol has four main purposes: to clarify the point at which tyre-derived rubber materials cease to be waste and waste management controls are no longer required; to provide users with confidence that the tyre-derived rubber materials they purchase conform to an approved material standard; to provide users with confidence that the tyre-derived rubber materials are suitable for use in designated applications including by conforming with engineering standards where required; and to protect human health and the environment (including soil).

The protocol can be downloaded in pdf form from the Environmental Agency website http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/waste/39025.aspx.