The tire waste management scheme, RepakELT launched in Ireland two years ago demonstrated effectiveness as the country managed to recycle 97 percent of scrap tires during the first year of the project, the Irish Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton T.D. said in a recent report.

The official emphasized that the scheme is being further worked on as it received 15 recommendations for improvement; stakeholders are expected to consider them. Burton also stressed that it was important to make tire manufacturers take responsibility for the environmental impact of tires.

During the first year, the initiative focused on passenger car and motorcycle tires, however, some steps were be taken to handle truck and tractor tires as well. This may become possible as the scheme enabled organizers to get detailed analysis of the state tire market.

The report also highlighted that some 3.8 million tires were put on the market in 2018 as part of the RepakELT Scheme which is aimed at tackling unsanctioned dumping of old tires.

Repak ELT serves as an operator of the initiative and obliges all tire manufacturers and retailers to be members of the Scheme.

Article by RepakELT.