4.8(1)
Waste tyres have been identified as a problematic waste stream as they are not compactable or degradable and prove problematic at landfills, with some sites historically refusing to accept them, and others charging higher fees for allowing their disposal. This, in part, has caused a large amount of illegal dumping and burning of tyres to recover steel for recycling, resulting in toxic air emissions and unsightly tyre stockpiles which prevent other land uses.
4.8(2)
In terms of implementing the waste hierarchy, the strategic focus is on diverting tyres from landfill through recycling and the promotion of treatment and processing technologies.
4.8(3)
There are at present 12 plants which can process waste tyres into a possible 250 products although at present the supply of waste tyres exceeds the demand. A potential use for waste tyres which exceed recycling demand is in the use of the energy potential of waste tyres in combustion processes, for example cement kilns. The cement industry has identified this use of waste tyres as a potentially beneficial alternative fuel and several kilns are currently applying for environmental authorization for this activity.
4.8(4)
In 2002, the tyre industry formed the South African Tyre Recycling Process Company (SATRPCo), a section 21 company, which aims to manage the collection and distribution of waste tyres to recycling and reprocessors on behalf of the tyre industry. The procedures for the management of this waste stream have been identified in a draft IndWMP produced by the SATRPCo which is currently in a consultation phase. The plan must give effect to the waste hierarchy i.e. recycling must receive priority as a waste management option.
4.8(5)
The waste tyre regulations which came into effect on 30 June 2009 require all producers and importers of tyres to submit an IndWMP for approval by the Minister, or to register with an approved IndWMP. The IndWMP must indicate how the tyres are to be managed and how management will be financed once the tyres become waste. The regulations also require that waste tyres with load index of 121 be rendered unusable. DEA will consider and approve the IndWMPs submitted by producers and importers. Organisations recycling and recovering the energy potential of waste tyres must report the quantities of waste tyres they process to the SAWIS.
4.8(6)
Whilst it is thought that waste tyre recycling could potentially create jobs, the market demand for related products will need to be stimulated in order to achieve this. As part of the process of compiling the IndWMP, industry is requested to research potential mechanisms for market stimulation, and make proposals to DEA and the dti.