WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A new study by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) shows that nearly 90 percent of tires that are replaced every year are put to a new productive use.

In fact, the study shows, the reuse rate of scrap tires tops most recovered waste materials including glass bottles, paper and aluminum cans.
 
The RMA said the report “shows continued progress in scrap tire management practices across the nation resulting in significant reduction of scrap tire stockpiles and continued progress in putting waste tires to new uses.”
 
In 2007, 89.3 percent of the scrap tires generated in the U.S. by weight were consumed in end-use markets. By comparison, in 2005, about 82 percent of tires were consumed by weight, and in 1990, only 11 percent of tires were consumed on a per tire basis.

The total volume of scrap tires consumed in end-use markets in the U.S. in 2007 reached approximately 4,105.8 thousand tons of tires – the largest amount ever since RMA began tabulating scrap tire statistics. 

The RMA estimates that about 4,595.7 thousand tons of tires were generated in the U.S. in 2007.

Scrap tires were consumed by a variety of markets, including tire-derived fuel, civil engineering and ground rubber applications. 
 
The RMA publication, “Scrap Tire Markets in the U.S.; 9th Biennial Report,” is available free for download at www.rma.org. (Courtesy of Tire Review/Akron)