RMA: ´Scrap tire end use markets are growing´

July 21, 2004

Eighty-percent, or about 233 million out of the 290 million scrap tires generated in 2003, went to an end use market vs. just 11% in 1990, according to a Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) report.

Tire shred use for civil engineering activities like road construction, leach field formation and other functions has increased 41% since 2001.

"California, Delaware, Maine, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia are all using or planning tire shred projects in their states," says RMA Senior Techinical Director Michael Blumenthal.

Ground rubber reuse "is one of the largest markets for scrap tires, consuming more than 28 million tires in 2003. One of the fastest growing markets for ground rubber is its application in athletic and recreational surfaces." Rubber-modified asphalt "is another market that uses ground rubber products."

The RMA also reports that the number of scrap tires in stockpiles has fallen 73% since 1990.