The Oil Shale Corporation TOSCO

The previous chapter has discussed the current status of utilization of tires. This chapter will discuss market barriers to their utilization. 

There are substantial barriers to the utilization of waste tires. These barriers can be classified into two main types - economic and noneconomic. 

Economic barriers refer to the high costs or limited revenues associated with various waste tire utilization methods which make them unprofitable. No tire processor will invest time or capital unless there is a sufficient rate of return to justify the efforts. 

Noneconomic barriers refer to a number of constraints on utilization. These include technical concerns such as lack of technical information or concerns regarding the quality of products or processes. These barriers also include the reluctance of consumers, processors, and regulators to employ new approaches or technologies for aesthetic or other reasons. They also include constraints on utilization because of health, safety, environmental issues, laws, and regulations. 

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

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