As tyre collectors come under pressure due to the drop in export markets, the TRA advises against cheap collectors
Retailers urged to beware of cheap waste tyre collection offers by the TRA
Tyre retailers, vehicle dismantlers and others who need to dispose of waste tyres are urged to beware of unrealistically low rates at a time when reprocessing costs, in particular, are soaring warns the TRA.
Tyre Recovery Association Secretary General, Peter Taylor, points out that over the past year or two rates hit historic lows due in part to often questionable treatment processes, particularly in the Asian sub-continent. Since late last year, however, authorities in India and elsewhere have acted to put an end to socially and environmentally damaging recycling practices, one outcome of which is a return to more realistic market conditions.
This appears to be a long-term trend so against this background it is very doubtful that anyone continuing to offer yesterdays collection rates will find legitimate recycling and reprocessing opportunities for the old tyres they may continue to collect. The TRA fears a spike in illegal activity as a result and has alerted UK regulators and environment authorities accordingly.
All those who dispose of waste including old tyres have a clear legal ‘Duty of Care’ to ensure they are responsibly handled, just asking to see a waste carrier’s permit is simply not enough! Generators of waste are legally required to assure themselves to their own satisfaction that their waste really has been entrusted into the right hands.
Collection rates for old tyres are now rising rapidly as our recovery infrastructure re-adjusts to historically more normal conditions, a fact the market must recognise. Our tyre retailers, vehicle dismantlers, local authorities and all those others disposing of old tyres need to understand this fundamental change in the cost base of responsible tyre recycling and be on their guard against a likely rise in illegal practices in the coming months.
