Tyre Disposal - A Burning Environmental Issue?

Abstract

Used road vehicle tyres are one of the less publicised environmental impacts of traffic. However, there is increasing concern about the proliferation of fly tipping and large potentially combustible tyre dumps, and a lack of policy for disposing of used tyres in the United Kingdom. Some worn tyres are retreaded, but most are either landfilled, stockpiled, incinerated or converted to crumb. This paper reviews the major tyre disposal methods used with particular reference to environmental implications and health effects. Suggestions are made concerning the future of UK disposal policy and for further monitoring to assess potential environmental problems.