The United Kingdom's management of end-of-life tyres (ELTs) is currently under intense scrutiny. With disruptions in the Red Sea impacting shipments, there is a growing concern over the exportation of up to 300,000 tonnes of ELTs, primarily to the Indian subcontinent.
The Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) is advocating for a shift towards utilising dormant domestic processing capacities. This move not only supports the UK's circular economy by reclaiming valuable materials from ELTs but also addresses significant environmental and ethical issues.
Processing ELTs within the UK could be a substantial step towards building a more sustainable circular economy. This approach mitigates the adverse effects of pollution and unethical practices often associated with ELT disposal in the Indian subcontinent. The current system has faced criticism for contributing to carbon leakage, where the export of ELTs leads to increased pollution from ocean tankers.
Statistical data from Statista reveals that product tankers carrying ELTs from the UK produced notable CO2 emissions in 2023. These emissions have only intensified with altered shipping routes. Approximately 75% of UK's ELT exports end in the Indian subcontinent, often leading to polluting and unethical treatment, including hazardous practices like pyrolysis, posing severe health and environmental risks.
Peter Taylor OBE, the secretary-general of the TRA, has been vocal about the UK government's failure to utilise domestic recycling capacity, continuing to contribute to carbon-producing exports. He emphasises the urgent need for regulatory changes to foster responsible recycling within the UK.
The UK is currently at a crossroads, facing both environmental and regulatory challenges in managing its ELTs. The TRA's call for domestic processing is more than just a logistical shift; it's a necessary step towards environmental responsibility and ethical waste management. As the UK grapples with these issues, the path it chooses will significantly impact both its environmental footprint and its role in the global circular economy.
