The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has released its 16th End-of-Life Tire Management Report, highlighting significant advancements in tire recycling. Currently, 79% of end-of-life tires are being utilized in end-use markets, marking a 10.5% increase in overall utilization. This positions end-of-life tires as one of the most recycled consumer products, surpassing metals, glass, aluminum, plastic, and paper. Despite this progress, USTMA stresses the necessity of ongoing collaboration across the tire recycling value chain to eliminate illegal tire stockpiles and establish sustainable circular markets for end-of-life tires (ELTs).
Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA’s president and CEO, remarked, “The over 95% reduction in stockpiles results from decades of advancements in tire recycling, site remediation, and innovation. Our primary goal is to recycle 100% of ELTs into circular, sustainable markets. However, considerable work remains, and we must collaborate with manufacturers, recyclers, policymakers, NGOs, and environmental groups to enhance tire recycling markets.”
Ground Rubber and Emerging Markets Driving Progress
Ground rubber has emerged as the second-largest market for end-of-life tires, with a 29% increase since 2019, now accounting for about 28% of ELT consumption in 2023. It is widely used in applications like rubberized asphalt for roads, showcasing the growing demand for sustainable materials in infrastructure.
Rubber Modified Asphalt (RMA), a significant application of ground rubber, has seen substantial growth, consuming 165,000 tons of ELTs since 2021—a 17% increase. USTMA is advocating for federal funding to expand RMA within infrastructure projects, aiming for long-term performance, environmental benefits, and advancing tire circularity.
Collaborative Effort to Eliminate Tire Stockpiles
Despite notable achievements, approximately 48 million end-of-life tires still exist in stockpiles. USTMA is actively engaging stakeholders across the value chain to promote sustainable practices and eliminate these stockpiles. The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF), a joint initiative of USTMA and the Tire Industry Association, focuses on education, networking, and collaboration within the recycling ecosystem.
“We’ve made considerable progress, but we’re not done yet,” Luke stated. “The industry, policymakers, and recyclers must continue to advocate for market expansion and invest in sustainable recycling technologies to ensure a future where 100% of tires are recycled and reclaimed into sustainable, circular end-use markets.”
Key Areas of Focus Moving Forward
Based on the report’s findings, USTMA and its partners will concentrate on four key growth areas:
- Driving Market Growth Through Research and Data: Building on the 2021 Rubber Modified Asphalt State of Knowledge Report, USTMA plans to release a Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA) State of Knowledge Report later this year to provide insights that foster market growth and innovation.
- Collaborative Engagement Across the Value Chain: USTMA will enhance partnerships among manufacturers, recyclers, government agencies, and environmental groups through initiatives like the Tire Recycling Conference and Rubber Modified Asphalt workshops, promoting knowledge sharing and advancing tire recycling solutions.
- Leveraging Federal Infrastructure Funding for ELT Markets: USTMA aims to capitalize on opportunities from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to scale TDA and RMA markets, reinforcing the critical role of end-use tires in sustainable U.S. infrastructure.
- Supporting Strong State ELT Management Programs: USTMA continues to advocate for effective state programs that manage end-of-life tires and promote sustainable recycling practices, driving innovation and reducing tire stockpiles.
