USTMA: Scrap tire stockpiles decreasing

WASHINGTON—Scrap tire stockpiles continue to decrease, and that certainly is a positive national trend, according to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association.

Today, there are about 50 million tires in piles across the U.S.—mostly in Colorado and Texas. While that amount might seem high, it is down 95 percent since 1990, when there were more than a billion tires in piles.

While sustainable end markets for scrap tires should be encouraged, according to the USTMA, states have their own responsibilities in ensuring a viable program is in place for scrap tire consumption.

"Most programs to eliminate stockpiles are addressed by state governments, so it is critical to ensure that states have robust scrap tire management programs that generate revenue streams for scrap tire abatement and research to assess existing and emerging markets," according to the USTMA.

Texas stockpiles, which account for almost 24 percent of the total stockpile inventory, are high but continue to achieve progress in the reduction of inventory.

Approximately 11.5 million scrap tires are spread across the country, with four states in addition to Texas and Colorado—Washington, New Mexico, Virginia and New Jersey—exceeding 1 million, and 44 states with fewer than 1 million scrap tires.

"Rather than focus on what they are doing that doesn't work, we are looking for them to do something in market development—with fees, enforcement provisions, the most important elements—and they are doing that," said John Sheerin, director of end-of-life tire programs for the USTMA.

Elements of effective state scrap tire management programs include implementing a time-limited fee to fund the scrap tire program; obtaining the proper permits and licenses for processing and transporting scrap tires; and ensuring that funds are used to stimulate sustainable, circular markets.

Like so many initiatives in the sustainability world, the scrap tire market needs partnerships to survive. As such, the USTMA is partnering with the University of Missouri on rubber-modified asphalt (RMA).

"USTMA, for its part, continues its ongoing work with stakeholders on multiple fronts to encourage the growth of circular, sustainable markets for scrap tires," Sheerin said.

This year, USTMA expects to release similar research to "The Ray" (regarding RMA) about tire-derived aggregate, in partnership with the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, Liberty Tire Recycling, First State Tire Recycling and the University of Wisconsin.

The USTMA also is organizing its ninth scrap tire conference, set for 2024, to increase networking and partnerships.