Scrap tire disposal is of particular importance because tires are replaced several times during the use phase of one vehicle: Every year, more than three million metric tons of scrap tires arise in Europe, approximately 600,000 of them in Germany, where tire sales are highest. The cement industry makes a significant contribution to disposing of these volumes by using the scrap tires as fuel in the cement-making process due to their high energy content. The steel and silica contained in the tires are also used as secondary raw materials.

Another recycling method which is gaining ground is the utilization of material from shredded tires. The steel and textile components are usually removed and recycled separately during the shredding process. The pure rubber granulate can then be used, for example, in the manufacture of panels for protecting buildings (insulation, sealing). As fine-particle granulate, it is also used as an elastic filler material on sports grounds with artificial turf. Even finer material such as rubber dust can be used in road construction, for instance in a noise-absorbing asphalt layer.

The retreading of tires is particularly common in the case of truck tires. After close inspection, suitable tires are given a new tread. In some fields of application, high-quality retreads present a cost-effective alternative to new tires, extending the life of the tire while also conserving resources.

As a result of its proactive approach to product responsibility, the tire industry increased the recycling rate for used tires in Europe (EU27) to 94% in 2007. There have been similar achievements in Japan and the U.S.A. Germany reached a recycling rate of 100% as early as 2006. As a result, used tire recycling in Germany occupies an excellent position in comparison with other common types of waste. The recycling rate is around 90% for used paper, 80% for glass, 77% for aluminum, and 76% for steel.

Recycling/recovery of used tires in the European Union, U.S.A. and Japan in %:

Source: Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association, Rubber Manufacturers Association, European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association.

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