Disposing of Old Tires: Essential Knowledge for Businesses and Manufacturers
Every year, over half a million old tires are generated. These are classified as composite waste because they are made from a variety of materials, including rubber, plastic, textiles, chemicals, and additives. It is no surprise, then, that proper disposal of old tires is crucial. Improper disposal not only causes significant environmental damage but also has legal consequences. Since 2003, old tires cannot simply be dumped or disposed of with regular household waste. So, how do businesses with large fleets dispose of their old tires, and what responsibilities do manufacturers have?
Companies and manufacturers face the critical task of disposing of old tires in a legal, efficient, and sustainable manner. Old tires contain valuable raw materials like rubber, metals, and textiles, which can be recycled and returned to the production cycle. Proper disposal not only reduces environmental impact but also improves resource efficiency and helps avoid potential fines. Businesses with large fleets benefit from specialized disposal companies that not only collect old tires but also ensure compliance with legal requirements. Manufacturers can fulfill their responsibility through return systems.
Why and When Should Old Tires Be Disposed of?
Tires are among the most heavily worn car parts and need to be replaced when they are worn out, damaged, or simply too old. The tread essentially ensures road safety by providing grip on the road. By law, tires must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimeters. If the tread is below this, it is time to dispose of the tire. Experts recommend replacing summer tires when the tread reaches 3 mm and winter tires at 4 mm. In addition to tread depth, visible damage such as cracks, bulges, or signs of aging should be considered. Tires lose their elasticity over time, which reduces grip and increases braking distances. Regardless of wear, tires should be disposed of after 10 years. Manufacturer data and specifications on the tire itself can also serve as guidance for preventing issues.
Where and How Can Old Tires Be Disposed of?
Proper disposal of old tires enables recycling, allowing valuable materials to be reclaimed and reused in new products. Because the process is quite complex, specialized disposal companies handle it. For household quantities, private individuals can drop off old tires at recycling centers, where they will be disposed of and recycled for a small fee. Many garages or car dealerships also offer similar services, especially if tire replacement (e.g., changing to summer or winter tires) is done at the same time. For businesses with larger fleets, specialized disposal and recycling companies are the best option. These companies accept commercial quantities or collect them directly. Professional tire disposal companies are listed in the specialized company register managed by GADSYS (Joint Waste DV Systems) or are part of the ZARE initiative. It is recommended for businesses to use only certified companies that follow the Waste Disposal Regulations (Entsorgungsfachbetriebeverordnung) or authorized tire collection points for disposal.
Disposing of Truck, Car, and Bicycle Tires – The Differences
Legal Framework for Tire Disposal
On July 1, 2002, the new regulation (AltfahrzeugV) on the transfer, return, and environmentally friendly disposal of end-of-life vehicles came into effect. It updated the 1998 End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation and also addresses the responsibility of manufacturers for reusable or recyclable components, including old tires.
What does this mean exactly?
The End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation (AltfahrzeugV) increased the responsibility of vehicle manufacturers and importers under waste law. They are required to accept old tires free of charge and dispose of them properly. To do so, they must establish nationwide collection points. These can take the form of recognized return stations or certified dismantling businesses. Manufacturers may choose to contract a certified waste disposal company for the disposal and recycling of old tires or handle it themselves, as long as proper documentation is maintained. This ensures compliance with recycling quotas. It is important to obtain the EfB (Certified Waste Disposal) certificate when disposing of old tires. There is no obligation for dealers to accept old tires, although many take them back for a small fee. Currently, there is no registration requirement for old tires, but the EU Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC mandates that old tires be returned to the material cycle and recycled. Violations of these regulations, including improper return and recycling of old tires, can lead to heavy fines ranging from €100 to €25,000, depending on the region. Additionally, the Packaging Act (VerpackG), the Electrical Act (ElektroG), and the Battery Act (BattG) require manufacturers and dealers to participate in return systems, ensuring the collection and disposal of packaging waste, e-waste, and energy systems.
What Happens to Disposed Car Tires?
There are three main ways to properly dispose of old tires: material recycling into rubber granules and rubber powder, energy recovery in cement plants or as substitute fuel, and reuse. The Blackcycle Project also supports the promotion of a sustainable tire and secondary raw material cycle in the EU.
What happens during each process?
In material recycling, old tires are shredded and processed into granules or rubber powder. This material is used to create new products, such as construction materials or floor tiles. It is also used in plastic sheets or road asphalt. For energy recovery, old tires are burned in modern facilities to generate energy, which is used, for example, in the cement industry. However, this method has faced criticism due to the environmental pollutants it releases. In contrast, reuse and remanufacturing is the most environmentally friendly method for tire disposal. In this process, old tires are professionally retreaded and can be purchased cheaply by vehicle owners. Since they are thoroughly refurbished, retreaded tires are just as safe as new ones. The Blackcycle Project, which started in 2020 and is funded by the EU, aims to make the tire recycling process even more comprehensive. It utilizes world-first methods to create new tires from disposed old tires.
Need Help Disposing of Tires or Ensuring Manufacturer Compliance? We Are Here to Assist!
Now that you have all the information, you may be wondering: How can you dispose of old tires hassle-free and in compliance with the law, and how can you fulfill your obligations as a manufacturer? In both cases, Deutsche Recycling GmbH is here to assist you with comprehensive consulting. As experts in recycling and waste management, we support you in sustainably and ecologically disposing of various materials. We would be happy to assess your needs through our compliance check. Under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), also known as extended manufacturer responsibility, we help you find the right return and recycling system if you are obligated to take back and recycle specific raw materials. We also handle the necessary licensing processes, with 100% liability, 100% cost efficiency, and 100% legal compliance. We are your trusted partner in environmental compliance. Whether you need to dispose of old tires or recycle packaging, feel free to contact us. We will address your concerns promptly.
