Options for Resource Recovery and Disposal of Scrap Tires. Volume 1

摘要

Currently over 200 million tires are discarded annually in the United States. In order to devise a means of dealing with this problem, an extensive background is given on the various technologies available for dealing with discarded tires. These technologies include: retreading; using whole tires for reefs, breakwaters, or barriers, and using shredded tires to produce asphalt-rubber. In addition, background is given on the use of both whole and shredded tires as fuel supplements. Cost analysis of asphalt-rubber and tire-derived fuel are presented in order to determine the feasibility of those two alternatives. The tire market structure and the implications it holds for collection and resource recovery is important in all the technologies, and it is the main focus of the research. The goal of this report was to produce a list of public policy options and recommendations for dealing with discarded tires. The authors recommend a product charge on new tires with the charge revenues distributed to qualified disposers.