Tyre recycling plant gains plenty of traction

An environmental advocate is planning to establish a tyre recycling plant next to the former pottery and brick works site at Benhar, in south Otago.

Dave Ward, of south Otago, is concerned about environmental and health issues resulting from the breakdown or pyrolysis of tyres and plastics, and also from carbon black, a fine carbon powder used as filler and colour pigment in rubber products.

‘‘Carbon black is becoming the new asbestos. Many countries are closing pyrolysis plants and are no longer accepting plastic.’’

He was also concerned about ‘‘tyre crumbs’’, the recycled rubber produced from automotive and truck scrap tyres.

This recycling method was considered a viable solution to dispose of the world’s tyre mountain, but would become a worldwide health problem, he predicted.

With his manufacturing systems background, combined with business partner Walt Smith’s expertise in mechanics, they have designed a tyre recycling plant that will be capable of processing 50 tyres a day, or 400 per week.

They want to encourage the idea of small plants, not just one big plant, located near urban areas that are portable and could be moved.

Clutha District Council waste officer Steve Clarke said he was watching progress on this proposal with interest and supporting it where council could.

‘‘The council’s current strategy to deal with waste tyres is based on sending them to a recycling plant being built in Christchurch.

‘‘Our tyre dumping pricing introduced in July reflects the cost to stockpile and send the tyres to Christchurch for processing. A locally managed solution would be of benefit to ratepayers, as well as the environment.’’

The council charges $8 for car/ four-wheel-drive tyre disposal, $32 for trucks, and $800 per tonne for a bulk.

Ward and Smith are applying to patent their design.

A provisional patent is being lodged in New Zealand to allow work to start on the proposed plant, and Givealittle campaign has been launched to help raise $5000 towards funding the first machine.

In July last year, Stuff reported that the Ministry for the Environment would be taking a tougher stance on the use and storage of old tyres on farms.