Barriers to Increased Scrap Tire Utilization

Barriers to increased scrap tire utilization can be classified into two main types - economic and noneconomic. 

Economic barriers refer to the high costs or limited 

The strength and persistence of these barriers are evident from the continuing buildup of tire stockpiles and dumps over the last several years. 

Most of the technologies available for mitigating the nation s scrap tire problem are limited by both economic and noneconomic barriers, and it is often difficult to separate the two. For example, the use of retreaded or used automobile tires is limited by competitive new tire prices, an economic barrier, as well as consumer concerns about safety and reliability, a noneconomic barrier. Designing tires to last 100,000 miles or more would cost considerably more and also would likely result in rougher rides and more tire noise. 

Making products such as reefs, playground equipment, floor mats, gaskets, etc., out of scrap whole or processed scrap tires is primarily limited by the high cost of tires compared with other raw materials. However, there are also some noneconomic barriers. Reefs made of tires, for example, are not appropriate for the rough shores of the northwest. Playground equipment made of wood or other products is often preferred for aesthetic reasons. 

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In the past, there were some barriers to increased scrap tire utilization. Economic barriers refers to the high costs or limited revenues associated with... 

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