TIRE RECYCLING
2020-21
PROGRESS REPORT
*A new tire recycler was in the probationary stage as of March/21.

TIRE SUPPLIERS’
RECYCLING ROLE

When Albertans get new tires, they usually leave their old ones behind. They can because 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.

This chart displays results of tire recycling over the last three years.  In 2020/21 there was a 7% increase over the previous year. While sales were down due to limited travel during COVID-19, recyclers processed scrap tires held in inventory from previous years.  

 

Chart notes:  Passenger and light truck – PLTT;  Medium truck tires – MTT; Specialty, Industrial and ‘Other’ tires – SIO.  Recovery rate measures the amount processed as a percent of the amount purchased.
ARMA_Tires_Sustainability

PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY

The environmental fees Albertans pay for new tires help fund the recycling of their old scrap tires along with other program-related costs. There are 2,936 tire producers and suppliers registered to remit fees on eligible products sold.  ARMA values their commitment as part of the front line of the program.

 

ARMA also conducts ongoing financial analysis and projections to determine if changes to fees or recycling expenditures are warranted to meet program goals and ensure program sustainability.   

Recycling Expenditures0%

Collection and recycling of tires

Recycling Development0%

R&D; Program awareness

Program Delivery Expenditures0%

Costs to deliver the program

Corporate Administration0%

Corporate costs

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. 

ARMA-Zoom

KEY STAKEHOLDER AWARENESS AND SUPPORT

 

ARMA held over 125 virtual meetings and dialogues with stakeholders in the fields of industry, post-secondary institutions, municipal and provincial  government, and Indigenous relations, creating and /or supporting opportunities for innovation and expansion of the existing programs and future possibilities.

 

Phase III of a life cycle assessment, specifically reviewing pyrolysis/thermal vacuum recovery, is in the process of completion in partnership with other provincial tire programs. Harmonized compliance reviews of tire suppliers across Canada were completed to create efficiencies in the review process for these companies.  

 

Reviews at municipal and Indigenous tire recycling depots provided support for the sites in establishing efficient areas for tire collection that provide convenience for their residents and small businesses to recycle their tires.

ARMA-Tires-Mileage

ALBERTANS HAVE GOTTEN GREAT MILEAGE FROM THEIR TIRE RECYCLING PROGRAM WITH $15 MILLION IN GRANTS SINCE 2000

 

Across the province you will find recycled tire products in 628 community grant projects such as playgrounds, arenas, outdoor fitness areas and walking trails.

 

157 grants have been awarded to Indigenous communities and municipalities for upgrading tire collection areas at landfills and transfer stations.

 

 

WHAT HAPPENS TO
YOUR SCRAP TIRES

 

Two registered recyclers coordinate the collection of scrap tires from 2,936 vehicle and tire dealers, auto repair shops and 354 tire recycling depots. Since 2002 4-H clubs have partnered with Alberta Recycling to clean up rural areas, collecting 1.19 million tires for which they have received funding per tire.

STAGE 1

Tires are shred into spec pieces for use as tire-derived aggregate (TDA). The steel and fibre are still embedded.

APPLICATION:
TDA is a cost-effective alternative to conventional aggregate (a limited and non-renewable resource) for use in leachate drainage blankets.

STAGE 2

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:
Playground surfaces, various molded products, synthetic turf and athletic tracks.

RECYCLING PROGRESS REPORTS

ARMA oversees end-of-life processing of tires, electronics, paint and used oil materials on behalf of the province. Since 1992, ARMA has worked with a broad spectrum of stakeholders to shape recycling policy, create a value-added processing system, minimize waste entering landfills and to act as collective stewards of Alberta’s environment.

 

Inspiring a Future Without Waste