"Innovations" Case Studies: New Uses for Old Tires

Costs, Economics, and Benefits

Collection and Processing Isn’t Free

Collection costs depend on the type of program operated. Average costs for collection programs range from $1.82 to $2.26 per tire, with costs per tire decreasing as the number of tires handled increases. Factors that will affect costs include:

• Type and duration of collection days.
• Establishment of a permanent drop-off site.
• Transportation to processor.

Processing costs are typically carried by the private sector and passed on in the cost of the end-use product. Crumbing a typical tire costs around $2.40 each. Shredding costs will depend on the size and preparation requirements such as elimination of wire beads.

Used Tires Can Save Public Works Dollars

End-use costs to the local government depend on the type of use. In some cases tires are not only cost-effective, they dramatically reduce costs for public works projects or local government needs.

Crumb rubber from waste tires used in paving projects in most cases can actually cut the costs of projects in which they are used. Savings occur due to the need to place less asphalt concrete to meet design specifications, thereby offsetting the expenses associated with tire rubber purchase.

The result is a net decrease in public works expenditures for the project, with a possible initial cost saving of between $22,000 and $170,000 per lane mile. Ongoing savings from reduced maintenance and a longer replacement life cycle add dramatically to the initial savings.

Rubber mats or molded rubber products typically are comparable in cost to rubber products that have no recycled content. As a substitute for other non-rubber products, costs may be higher. But often the product will last longer or have other benefits that can offset the additional expense.

Civil engineering projects in Maine have shown that tires can be cheaper than typical lightweight fill; however, no study or analysis exists to quantify those savings.

CIWMB Grants Are Available

The CIWMB offers grants to local governments for tire recycling covering collection programs, use of paving material, and playground/track covers.

For collection programs the CIWMB provides matching grant funds for amnesty days, public education, staff time, and some transportation and processing costs. CIWMB has provided grants to local government and school districts for the purchase of rubberized playground mats. This program is being expanded to $2 million annually ($50,000 maximum per project) as a result of AB 1055.

Rubberized asphalt grants are available for determining the potential use, quality assurance and control, and costs associated with rubberized asphalt. Grants from the CIWMB are available through the Los Angeles Rubberized Asphalt Technology Center on a first-come-first-served basis and are based upon the tonnage of material used.

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Last updated: October 26, 2007