PROGRESS REPORT
When Albertans get new tires, they usually leave their old ones behind. They can because 3,100 vehicle and tire dealers and auto repair shops play a dual role – selling new tires and making sure the old scrap tires you leave behind are collected for recycling at Alberta facilities.
*kgs. recovered per capita; **cost per kg. recovered; 2011-16
RECYCLING RESULTS
The chart presents results over the last five years. In 2018-19, sales of new tires began to recover from the lower levels seen in the two years prior. Increased sales of new tires results in rebounding recycling volumes as scrap tires are collected and recycled.
ALBERTANS ARE GETTING GREAT MILEAGE FROM THEIR TIRE RECYCLING PROGRAM WITH $12.6 MILLION IN GRANTS
Across the province you will find recycled tire products in 590 Municipal Demonstration Grant Projects such as playgrounds, arenas, outdoor fitness areas and walking trails. Additionally 145 Indigenous communities and municipalities have received funding to upgrade their tire collection areas located at landfills and transfer stations.
ENVIRONMENTAL FEES AT WORK
The environmental fees paid on the purchase of new tires are used to help fund tire collection and recycling along with other Program-related costs (see pie chart). There are 3,100 businesses (Suppliers) registered with Alberta Recycling to ensure that the fees are remitted on every eligible tire sold in Alberta. Alberta Recycling values the commitment of these Suppliers who diligently remit the fees for the recycling of scrap tires.
ALBERTANS SUPPORT
THE TIRE RECYCLING PROGRAM
Every year Albertans are polled to measure support for both the Program and the environmental fees charged on the sale of new tires. This year results indicate Program support remains strong. Support for the fees increased by 2% over 2018 and remain the highest of the four recycling programs. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@albertarecycling) and post a photo of a grant project in your community!
Collection and recycling of tires
Program management
R&D; Program awareness
This chart breaks out the amount of tires processed by type for the past three years. Tires vary in size and weight, therefore a standardized unit is applied to present the results, using a passenger-tire-equivalent (PTE) of one PTE equalling 10 kgs. There is 100 PTEs in one tonne of tires.
WHAT HAPPENS TO
YOUR SCRAP TIRES
Two registered recyclers coordinate the collection of scrap tires from 3,100 vehicle and tire dealers, auto repair shops and 344 recycling depots. Since 2002 4-H clubs have partnered with Alberta Recycling to clean up rural areas, collecting 1.08 million tires for which they have received funding per unit.
Stage 1
Tires are shred into large pieces for use as tire-derived aggregate (TDA). The steel and fibre are still embedded. Application: TDA is applied in place of washed rock (a limited and non-renewable commodity), as drainage material for leachate collection in municipal landfills.
Stage 2
The shred is ground to make mulch, with the steel removed. Application: landscaping.
Stage 3
Tires are processed into crumb with the steel and fibre removed. Application: top-dressing in sports fields or as feedstock for playground surfacing and molded products.
