Options for Mitigating the Scrap Tire Problem

There is now a general public awareness throughout the U.S. that a waste tire problem exists. A number of options have been identified to address the problem, many of which are currently being utilized in several states. State, local, and federal governments need to work on the waste tire problem from all possible angles, in order to arrive at a strong solution. 

In addition to the state regulations, other ideas that have been implemented or proposed to address scrap tires, include (1) procurement strategies (2) research  

EPA s Federal procurement guidelines for retreaded tires, which became effective on November 17,1989, are encouraging Federal agencies both to retread tires on their vehicles, and to buy retreaded tires. States may decide to develop similar guidelines to encourage retreaded tires. 

There is a need to continue to perform research on methods of recycling tires, such as the use of crumb rubber in rubber products and plastics. Existing research on rubberized asphalt should be summarized, and a decision made regarding its feasibility for more widespread use, or if there are still technical or economic questions, determining exactly what additional research is needed to answer these questions, and then perform this research. States and Federal government, and environmental and transportation agencies, should coordinate research efforts so that fewer, more comprehensive research projects (particularly related to rubberized asphalt) can be performed. 

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An integrated solution is needed to the waste tire problem. Both government and industry need to work together to develop markets for scrap tires and to ensure proper disposal of those tires that are not recycled and are not incinerated for their energy value. In the next two sections of this chapter, options for mitigating the scrap tire problem are discussed. 

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