TRA Calls for Retail Support at Forum Day

The Tyre Recovery Association called on retailers and garages to support efforts to eradicate illegal tyre collection and disposal activities at the association’s annual forum day last week (9 July 2010). More than 65 delegates heard a range of presentations from different industry areas and discussed ways to improve recycling rates and abolish illegal activities.

“This year’s forum proved to be a great success which we hope will act as a catalyst to generate even greater support from within the industry,” Peter Taylor OBE, secretary general of the Tyre Recovery Association commented. “A number of very positive ideas and suggestions were shared which could help the industry significantly. One of the major areas of common consensus was in the support that our retail colleagues can provide. Many felt that retailers should become more aware about their duty of care obligations. This could be achieved in a number of ways such as checking that their collector is registered with the Responsible Recycler Scheme. This type of simple action would help to significantly reduce the number of tyres which continue to be illegally stored, dumped or exported.”

The Responsible Recycler Scheme (RRS) is the UK tyre industry’s tyre recovery programme. It is the largest voluntary tyre recovery programme in Europe and currently handles some 45 million used tyres every year. Under the scheme tyres are stored, collected, recycled or reprocessed in line with all UK and UE legislations. Independent audits and full traceability means that tyres handled by RRS member companies can be tracked throughout the disposal chain. Since 2006 the complete disposal of tyres into landfill sites has been banned.

During the forum, the Environment Agency presented their latest initiatives to tackle tyre crime, requesting information and support from the whole tyre industry. Sapphire Energy Recovery outlined how used tyres are utilised as a fuel source in cement kilns and why a longer term approach to their supply is needed. Mike Wilson, president of the TRA outlined why the RRS scheme remains the best solution for the UK market. Delegates then heard about the successes and challenges faced by Spain’s tyre industry which has a very different approach to the UK model. The session was closed by Michelin Tyre who gave a summary about their response to the industry’s challenge.

“I would like to thank everyone who attended the forum for their support and input,” concluded Peter Taylor. “After some interesting presentations and lively debate, we must now ensure that we continue to develop the RRS scheme, making it increasingly relevant for industry to help encourage greater participation and a reduction in illegal activities.”

Related News:

• TyreSafe Announces Support for Responsible Recycler Scheme

• TRA: Recycle Tyres or Face Jail

• Tyre Recovery Association Explains Recycling Fee with Point of Sale Materials

• Speakers Confirmed for Tyre Recovery Association Forum Day