Are waste tyres really such a big problem?
Besides being unsightly and taking up valuable land space, tyre dumps and stockpiles present many environmental concerns. When waste tyres are buried they have a tendency to “wiggle” their way to the surface over time causing problems for landfill sites. When tyres are stockpiled above ground they form mountainous piles that are at high risk of catching fire. When fires do break out – usually caused by lightening strikes – they can be extremely difficult to extinguish, sometimes burning for several months. Stockpile fires cause pollutants being released into the environment. Oil as a result of the burning tyres enters the groundwater and nearby rivers and thick black clouds of smoke full of toxic gases are released into the atmosphere. Even when fires don’t break out, tyre stockpiles are breeding grounds for pests such as mosquitoes and rodents.
