Potential To Use Waste Tires as Supplemental Fuel in Pulp and Paper Mill Boilers, Cement Kilns and in Road Pavement

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the recycling potential of waste tires as an energy source and for use in road pavement. North Carolina, U.S.A., is used as a case study. Scrap tires may be burned for supplemental fuel in pulp and paper mill boilers and cement kilns. Five pulp and paper mill boilers in North Carolina could consume over 90% of the 6 million tires generated annually in the state. Cement kilns located within 400 km of North Carolina population centers could consume about 6.6 million tires annually. Based on the quantity of pavement laid in North Carolina, non-proprietary and proprietary versions of asphalt rubber concrete have the potential to consume 1.8 and 7.2 million tires, respectively. Rubber modified asphalt concrete has the potential to consume up to 16.5 million tires. However, technological and economic limitations suggest that large scale implementation is unlikely for the short term. Environmental considerations pertaining to each alternative are discussed. Estimates of this nature are critical as planning regions formulate solid waste management plans which include recycling.