What can be recycled?
The rubber is very resilient and can be reused in other products.
Due to heavy metals and other pollutants in tyres there is a potential risk for the leaching of toxins into the groundwater when placed in wet soils.
Tyres are not desired at landfills, due to their large volumes and 75% void space, which quickly consumes valuable space. Tires can trap methane gases, causing them to become buoyant, or bubble to the surface. This 'bubbling' effect can damage landfill liners that have been installed to help keep landfill contaminants from polluting local surface and ground water.
Due to the difficulties of processing large tyres, the Landfill Regulations allow the continued landfilling of tyres over 1,400 mm in diameter. Bicycle tyres can also continue to be landfilled.
Waste hierarchy
What happens to this waste stream?
0% reused
15% recycled
81% recovered
4% incinerated
1% landfilled
Your Responsibilities
With a couple of exceptions, tyres are banned from landfill and must be disposed of appropriately
Tyres waste streams
Where do I put tyres?
- Bicycle tyres can be placed in the General waste.
- Other tyres should be registered via the hazardous waste stream.
How green is this waste stream?
- Everything is put to good use.
- By recycling we reduce our need for raw materials, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint.
- You are helping to protect and improve the environment.
Contacts
Roger Smith, Hazardous Waste Coordinator: x50447