current approaches

A number of processes and technologies are currently applied to scrapped tyres and other polymer waste. These can be generally classified as:

stockpiling/landfilling:

where waste material is either buried or stockpiled (in raw or crumbed form) awaiting further processing. Measures are in place to limit landfilling in Europe and North America;

recycling:

where direct use is made of the product or the material

downcycling:

where limited properties of the material are used and

energy recovery:

where the material is incinerated to release stored energy

further background

More background information is available on the following topics:

stockpiling/landfilling
recycling
downcycling
energy recovery