Tyre recycle plan to tackle waste problem
A WASTE tyre management plan to be rolled out later this year would create a “sustainable recycling industry” to deal with a major waste problem, a recycling initiative said yesterday.
The not-for-profit Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of SA (Redisa) said the integrated industry waste tyre management plan, which had been approved by Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, would create jobs and foster small and medium-sized businesses throughout the country.
“The new law is intended not only to support the creation of a sustainable recycling industry to deal with a major and problematic waste product but also to create jobs and foster small and medium sized businesses in communities throughout the country,” the group said.
All involved in the industry have to register by 31 January.
Redisa said the income generated from a rand-per-kilo levy charged to tyre manufacturers and importers would be used to help stimulate start-up businesses around the collection, transportation, storage and recycling of waste.
It would also be used for research and development, training, monitoring and community upliftment.
The SA tyre industry produces more than 10 million scrap tyres a year.
Redisa said 60 to 100 million scrap tyres were stockpiled in SA.
“Waste tyres pose an environmental problem, both as pollutants and as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and vermin,” said Redisa.
“However, there is as yet no effective technology for disposing of tyres in an environmentally friendly yet economically viable way.
“The need for research and development, collection and recycling is imperative. The opportunity for generating jobs and new industry businesses aligned to recycling of waste tyres is of paramount importance.”
The group said the R2.30-a-kilogram levy charged to the manufacturer would subsidise collection and recycling. – Sapa