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Philippines Launches Program on Tires

MANILA - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday forged partnerships with tire industry associations such as the Tire Importers and Traders of the Philippines (TITAP), Tire Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (TMAP), and the Philippine Retreaders Association (PRA) for an effective retrieval and disposal scheme for used and worn-out tires.

DENR Secretary Elisea G. Gozun expressed optimism on the project and urged the transport sector, local government units (LGUs) and the public to support the program.

She said her department is initiating concrete steps in addressing the issue of used tires disposal in the country.

"Through this project, we will be able to extensively promote proper disposal of tires and discourage tire-burning practices nationwide," she added.

Under the MOA, the DENR, through its National Solid Waste Management Commission, will provide technical assistance to TITAP, TMAP and PRA in implementing the used-tires recovery program, including coordination of related activities on both tire industry associations.

Proponents of the MOA will serve as information banks in the development of advocacy materials for the program that would assist other organizations in adopting retrieval schemes and available tire recycling/reusing technologies.

"The program also discourages the burning of used tires. When burned, tires emit toxic dioxins, mercury, and small particulate matter (PM) that can cause cancer, asthma, nerve and reproductive disorders," Gozun said.

Section 48 and 49 of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, strictly prohibits and penalizes open burning of solid waste, including used tires. Violators will pay a fine of up to P1,000 or imprisonment of up to 15 days, or both.

According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), there are about 3.9 million vehicles registered in 2001 alone.

These include cars, public utility vehicles (jeepneys, taxis, FXs), SUVs, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and trailers.

Approximately, 180 million tires are manufactured for these vehicles, with close to 90 million tires are being disposed of every two years.

In other countries, some of the technologies being developed for reusing and recycling tires include the production of tire chips used as road bases. Scrap tires are also used as components for constructing rubberized asphalt roads while some companies retread old tires.

Tires being retreaded are vulcanized with new rubber to replace the tread area of the tire. Retreaded tires contain 75 per cent recycled materials and cost 30 to 50 per cent less than new tires without sacrificing the tire's performance.

Locally used tires are sometimes employed as artificial reefs, rip-rapping material to reduce soil erosion, as well as materials for trashcans, plant pots and other household uses.

"We hope to identify more local uses for used tires to minimize waste from the transport sector. We urge the transport industry and the public to support this program," Gozun said.

The project is in line with DENR's thrust in establishing an organized and extensive countrywide waste recovery system as the lead implementing agency of RA 9003.

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