The United States alone discards around 300 million tires a year and nearly half of these tires are used as a fuel source. This “Tire Derived Fuel” (TDF) is an attractive fuel source for cement plants because it can be relatively cheap using waste tires, the by-product ash can be used in the final cement product and it keeps tires out of landfills. TDF seems like a good thing but may have some downside.

Tire incineration as a fuel source was given the okay by the EPA following a 1997 report on “air emissions from scrap tire combustion”. These findings may not be full proof however because they are based on tests and trial burns in a controlled situation which may not be a true example of what happens on a daily basis. Also, these reports could not quantify the dangers associated with many of the emissions because some chemicals lack toxicity information and uncertainties involved in predicting cancer causing levels of emissions.

There are several other alternatives to burning tires. According to NoToxicBurning.org “Tires are being recycled into running tracks, railroad ties, roofing shakes, parts on autos, sound barriers, playground safety mats, solid bicycle tires, tennis courts, compost bins, traffic delineators, slurry for levees and roads, flowable concrete and new tires.”

Although keeping tires out of landfills is important, tire incineration may not be the best solution. Why take a risk when the benefits may not outweigh the potential dangers.

» EnergyJustice.net