"Innovations" Case Studies: New Uses for Old Tires

Local Government Challenges, Opportunities, and Tips

Local Government Challenges and Opportunities

A key challenge in tire recycling is communication between all stakeholders involved in a project. This would include developing a strong working relationship with both tire shredders and with public works contractors.

While a local government may have a strong desire to see tire-derived materials used, it is the private contractors who will be the key in both preparing them for use as well as applying them in most projects.

Most programs are public/private partnerships for several reasons:

The equipment costs associated with shredding, crumbing, and blending typically prohibit local governments from setting up a cost-effective in-house program combining all three aspects.

Many local governments do not have the immediate volume of work to use their present supply of waste tires. Contamination at long-term stockpiles can make the tires unacceptable for some uses, and the expense of stockpiling can make their use no longer cost-effective.

Private contractors are often better equipped to process and supply tires for construction projects to be used by a number of jurisdictions.

Besides considering the use of tires in paving projects and civil engineering applications, there are a variety of other opportunities for local governments to use their purchasing power to support increased tire recovery and end use, including the following:

Local governments can promote the use of retreaded tires on fleet vehicles. Local government motor pools and private operators of fleet vehicles can be encouraged to develop plans to focus both maintenance and purchasing routines to take the greatest advantage of this option.

Local governments can support the purchase of new tires containing recycled content. Michelin and Continental General Tire currently produce a tire that contains 5 percent recycled content. Ford has been a leader in supporting their use, making them standard equipment on the Windstar van and the F-150 pickup.

Local governments can support the purchase of recycled rubber products, particularly in the area of mats and sport floorings. As a result of new State laws, schools and local agencies are already replacing playground equipment. The CIWMB can award grants to offset the additional cost of used tire-derived products.

Tips for Replication

• Ensure communication among stakeholders, including processors and paving contractors.
• Make sure rubberized asphalt is considered as an option, but recognize it may not be appropriate in every application.
• Provide adequate monitoring and evaluation.

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Last updated: October 26, 2007