Assessing the potential for post-use bicycle tyre
recycling from UK bicycle retailers and repairers
Assessing the UK potential for post-use bicycle tyre recycling through bicycle shops, retailers
and repairers
James Watkins
1.
Introduction
Since July 2006, under the EU Landfill Directive, neither whole nor shredded vehicle tyres can be sent to
landfill for disposal (WRAP, 2011). However, bicycle tyres (along with tyres of over 1.4 metre diameter)
are excluded from the Directive and continue to be included in general waste consigned to landfill (Defra,
2009).
Cycling in the UK is growing both as a leisure pursuit (Sport England, 2011) and as a mode of transport
(DfT, 2010). Bicycles require regular servicing and replacement of consumable components, including
tyres. Many cyclists choose to have repairs, upgrades and servicing done by professionals through bike
shops, mobile repair services or larger general retailers.
As national use of bicycles for both transport and leisure purposes has increased, logically the use of
‘consumable’ bicycle components such as tyres, inner tubes, chains, and gear cassettes must also have
increased. ‘Traditional’ commercial waste materials generated by the cycle trade (cardboard, paper,
plastics) can be widely recycled (WRAP, Undated) and are included in many trade recycling collections
(Biffa, 2011; Grundon 2011). Metal wastes can also be widely recycled as the market and value of metals
are well understood (BMRA, 2010). Replacing tyres however, generates a waste stream which does not
fall easily into traditional categories as bicycle tyres consist of a number of materials (Schwalbe,
undated). Although materials that make up bicycle tyres are potentially valuable, there is no obligation to
recycle and it seems the majority of bicycle tyres are disposed of as waste to landfill.
Early indications suggest that specific recycling options for bicycle tyres are non-existent in the UK, and
options for disposal to landfill are being reduced as local authorities and private waste contractors
2
attempt to restrict the waste streams that they process. This study aims to quantify the problem through a
survey of bicycle retailers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and provide a series of
recommendations on how bicycle shops can reduce the number of tyres sent to landfill.
2.
Background
2.1 Problem
The problem of waste tyres is a significant issue for the bicycle retail trade. When customers purchase
new tyres most bicycle shops will fit them. In many cases, particularly where old tyres are too worn for
future use, or are damaged, the shop is left the problem of disposal of these old tyres.
The problem consists of two elements:
-
Tyres cannot be recycled as facilities seem to be non-existent, or costs of disposal are too high.
-
Some retailers have found that tyres cannot be disposed of at all (through recycling or as general
waste to landfill through traditional contracts).
As an industry linked with environmentally friendly behaviours, being a low carbon, sustainable means of
transport (CTC, undated) there is a clear disconnect between the pro-environmental impacts of cycling,
and the potential damaging impact of the need to dispose of a significant component of a bicycle on a
regular basis. Many cycling organisations and retailers are keen to stress their environmental credentials,
but even those that are willing to recycle bicycle tyres, may have no option available other than landfilling.
2.2 Existing recycling solutions
As part of a complete literature review on the issue of bicycle tyre recycling a search was carried out to
identify any existing recycling solutions for bicycle tyres both through academic and grey literature. This
search revealed no information on current services offered in the UK specifically designed for bicycle tyre
recycling.
Only one service, now closed, was identified in the UK. This was a scheme that was offered by the
manufacturer of Schwalbe tyres, Bohle. Bicycle shops could recycle bundles of 50 tyres through
3
Schwalbe’s UK distributor, Fisher Outdoors, which were then recycled through an existing plant in
Germany (BikeBiz, 2003). However, conversation with Schwalbe revealed that the service is no longer
offered in the UK as demand exceeded the service’s capacity to transport tyres to Germany for
reprocessing. The scheme is still offered in Germany, with bicycle shops are charged a fee of €5 per 10
tyres by Schwalbe. Retailers are provided with literature and in store signs offering the service for
customers. Costs for disposal are passed on to customers via a recommended charge of €1 per tyre
(Schwalbe, undated).
Elsewhere outside the UK there is further evidence of a number of schemes specifically focused on
recycling bicycle tyres, through car tyre reprocessors. In Canada a recently opened recycling scheme for
bicycle tyres has opened in British Columbia. This scheme allows consumers to drop off used bicycle
tyres at bicycle retailers, who then arrange for collection by local car tyre recyclers for reprocessing at a
central location. This scheme, supported by the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada and Tire [sic]
Stewardship BC, allows disposal of used bicycle tyres at zero cost to either customers or bicycle shops
(Tire [sic] Stewardship BC, 2011). In the USA, a scheme was set up by Specialized in 2006 offering tyre
recycling in Specialized own stores (Specialized, 2006). It is unclear if this scheme is still in operation.
Including bicycle tyres in car tyre recycling processes
According to information provided by an Oxfordshire car tyre recycler, bicycle tyres can be accepted for
recycling with car tyres. However, inclusion of bicycle tyres appears to be a low priority for car tyre
reprocessors. Only one organisation on the members list for the Tyre Recovery Association specifies that
bicycle tyres can be reprocessed (Tyre Recovery Association, undated). Anecdotally some bicycle
retailers have suggested that they have explored this method as a means of disposal, but have cited high
cost charged per tyre disposed of as a major obstacle to further use of this option.
Reuse
There is also evidence of some reuse of UK bicycle tyres which are sent outside the UK. Charitable
organisations such as Re~cycle accept second hand bicycles and some used tyres from other retailers
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which are then used to provide sustainable transport options to Africa (Re~cycle, 2011). However,
according to the organisation in many cases tyres are not suitable for reuse (being too worn or damaged,
or of unconventional sizes) so the problem of waste tyres is simply moved from the retailer to the charity.
While this option, and other similar bicycle refurbishment projects, provide another opportunity for
retailers to avoid sending bicycle tyres to landfill, in practice only a very limited number of tyres can be
included in this method.
Other recycling options
A number of other options to avoid sending bicycle tyres to landfill were also identified. These consisted
of craft type remanufacturing activities, converting discarded tyres into other items (for example belts
(Tyrebelt, 2011) and dog collars (Recollect, 2011), making a feature of the fact that the items have
previously been bicycle tyres. These items are sold through specialist ‘Fair Trade’ or ‘Environmentally
Friendly’ boutiques. While there clearly is demand for these items, the products address a seemingly
small niche market. While indications as to the country of origin of the raw materials are not given in retail
descriptions of the items, it seems likely that raw materials will be drawn from the country of manufacture
of the goods, so there is potential for UK manufactured items to recycle UK bicycle tyres. However, the
niche nature of the market for these products suggests that craft manufacture as an outlet for recycling of
bicycle tyres is limited in the UK context.
2.3 Scale of the problem
While the growth and popularity of cycling is extensively studied, there is little information available on
waste associated with the cycling industry. No data was identified on the number, volume or weight of
waste bicycle tyres produced in the UK. However, there is information available on bicycle usage. This
information could conceivably be used to allow an estimate of waste bicycle tyres. According to the CTC
(Cyclists Touring Club) cycling is on the increase. Between 1999 and 2009 the UK saw a 12% increase in
on-road cycling (cycling excluding journeys on cycle paths and 'offroad') and an increase from 4.1 billion
kilometres cycled per year to 4.5 billion kilometres cycled per year (DfT, 2010, quoted in CTC, 2010).
However, CTC also estimates that on road cycling makes up only 40% of all cycling. While official
5
government figures are not available for non-road, CTC also estimates figures for usage offroad and on
cycle paths, assuming cyclists cover the same distances as on road, suggesting that in total, bicycle
usage covered 12.5 billion kilometres in 2009.
However, in contrast to figures on bicycle usage are available, information on tyre life and replacement
frequency is less clear. The topic of bicycle tyre life-cycle is a popular one for discussion on cyclists’
forums, yet there are no empirical studies of the life of a tyre. Many manufacturers and retailers do not
provide detailed information on tyre life, while those that do, such as the German manufacturer
Schwalbe, provide life of bicycle tyres within very large ranges. The company includes some information
on tyre wear via its North American website, suggesting standard road tyres have a life of between 2000
and 5000 kilometres, with some models capable of achieving 6000 to 12000 kilometres and others 8000
to 15000 kilometres (Schwalbe, 2010). The information also suggests that tyre life can vary dramatically
as an effect of underinflation, as well as terrain, road debris, and use of appropriate tyres for riding type.
It should also be noted that front and rear tyres experience different levels of wear (with rear bicycle tyres
wearing more quickly than front tyres (Sheldon Brown, 2008)).
Making an assessment of tyre life based on miles travelled is also problematic. Mileage estimates for
bicycle use provided by the UK Department for Transport and the CTC do not equate exactly to bicycle
tyre distances travelled as front and back bicycle wheels travel different distances over a journey
(Dunbar, Bosman, and Nooij, 2001). These discrepancies, and the combination of manufacturer
information and anecdotal discussion on the issue means that making an assessment of UK bicycle tyre
disposal levels based on cycling data is not possible.
The difficulty in estimating tyre disposal levels based on bicycle usage, meant that a more appropriate
means of assessment was considered through a survey sent to bicycle retailers and repairers, including
questions regarding the number of tyres disposed of on a weekly basis.
2.4 Impact of tyre disposal
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Materials recovery
Bicycle tyres consist of three main parts, the tread, the sidewall and the bead (see Figure 1). Some tyres
also include a protective, puncture resistant belt underneath the tread. In most tyres the tread is a rubber
compound (Schwalbe, ibid). The bead consists normally consists of a steel hoop of metal to allow the tyre
to remain attached to the wheel (Schwalbe, ibid). In more expensive, folding tyres the bead may be made
of alternative materials such as kevlar which provide the rigidity required for attaching the tyre to the
wheel whilst also allowing the tyre to be folded for transportation (Schwalbe, ibid). In most cases the side
wall is a nylon fabric, with additional rubber coating (Schwalbe, ibid). While the materials used appear to
be relatively consistent from one manufacturer to the next, and options are available to recycle each
material separately, (Ryburn Rubber, 2011; Sims Metal Management, 2011; Petlon Polymers, undated;
Peacock Fibres, 2007) assessing the total potential for recovery, along with other environmental impacts
such as embedded carbon is difficult as bicycle tyres can vary so much, both in terms of the ability to
separate each material used for construction, and the proportions of each material used in an individual
tyre.
Figure 1: Tyre components (Adapted from Continental, 2011)
While there is a market for the materials generated from all tyre recycling, it is important to note that even
in the established car tyre recycling market, although many reprocessors break down tyres to constituent
materials for recycling into other items, many tyres are also reprocessed for use as combustible fuel in,
for example, cement kilns (Cemex, 2010). This also appears a viable alternative to avoid disposal of
7
bicycle tyres to landfill. Although there is no evidence of the final destination of materials recovered from
bicycle tyres, the willingness of car reprocessors to accept bicycle tyres suggests that either recycling or
use of bicycle tyres for fuel are both viable methods to recover some value from bicycle tyres.
Costs of disposal of tyres to landfill
Costs for per tyre disposal to landfill in the UK context are based on figures on bin capacity, and bin
collection costs from (Oxford City Council, 2011). Costs exclude hire charges for waste container. The
estimate of capacity was carried out with a range of scrap tyres and an Oxford City Council waste sack.
Table 1: Landfill costs for bicycle tyres
Container size
(standard
wheelie bin
sizes) (Litres)
Sack
Number of
sacks per
container
Number of
tyres per
container
Standard
cost per
collection
Calculated
cost per tyre
-
5
£1.67
£0.33
240
3
15
£6.05
£0.40
360
5
25
£7.15
£0.29
770
11
55
£10.30
£0.19
1100
17
85
£13.15
£0.15
(Adapted from Oxford City Council, 2011). Excludes hire charges for waste container.
Costs for recycling with car tyres
There is no information on costs for reprocessing bicycle tyres with car tyres. However, anecdotally
bicycle retailers suggested they are charged the same per tyre cost as for car tyres. While information on
car tyre reprocessing costs is also scarce, one report identified on charges applied for recycling suggests
94% of dealers surveyed pay between 51p and £1.00 per car tyre processed (Tyrepress, 2010), and it is
assumed that this price range would similarly be charged to bicycle retailers recycling tyres.
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Illegal disposal
There is no data available about illegal disposal of bicycle tyres. For automotive tyres (for which there is a
legal requirement to recycle, and a well established network of recyclers) the Environment Agency
estimates that “local authorities, landowners, industry and the emergency services pay out over £2.3
million every year in investigating and clearing these tyres” (Environment Agency, 2011). If bicycle tyres
cannot be easily recycled and are also being refused for collection by licenced waste contractors the
likelihood of inappropriate disposal, through burning, flytipping, or as part of domestic waste streams will
increase, adding to existing problems of illegal disposal.
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3.
Survey / Methodology
3.1 Aim of survey / Survey design
To begin the process of quantification of bicycle tyre waste, and attitudes towards disposal of bicycle
tyres by the bicycle retail trade, a survey was developed, using a mixture of open ended questions to
identify for example, providers of services, and closed multiple choice questions to identify elements such
as cost or numbers of tyres disposed.
The survey itself was developed with built in filters, in order to improve response rates, and to personalise
the questions asked of respondents. Filters directed respondents to additional questions based on their
previous responses (for example a respondent who stated they did not carry out bicycle tyre recycling,
would not be asked which company provided recycling services). In order to maximise the usefulness of
data, certain questions required an answer, before a respondent could move to the next question.
Participant selection and survey distribution
An online survey using the free Kwiksurvey website was prepared and sent to a range of bicycle retailers
and repair services. As no centralised list of bicycle industry was freely available a simple Google search
was carried out to identify businesses close to major urban centres (see Text Box 1 and Figures 2 and 3),
designed to cover the UK as widely as possible. Participants were selected according to the following
caveats; each needed to be a bicycle retailer or organisation involved in bicycle restoration or repair,
each needed a website (in order to be identified via the Google search) and each needed to be
contactable via email in order to receive an introductory email and a web link to the survey. A final list of
350 businesses was created and an email outlining the aims of the project and a link to the survey was
sent to each.
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Text Box 1: Locations for web search
Aberdeen
Belfast
Birmingham
Brighton
Bristol / Bath
Cambridge
Cardiff
Dundee
Exeter
Glasgow / Edinburgh
Lake District
Leeds
Leicester
Liverpool
Figure 2: Location of invited
participants by major urban area
London
Londonderry
Manchester
Newcastle
North Wales
Norwich
Nottingham
Oxford
Plymouth
Portsmouth / Southampton
Scottish Highlands
South East Essex
Swansea
survey
Figure 3: Specific locations of invited survey
participants
It was also acknowledged that significant volumes of waste bicycle tyres would be generated by large
national chains such as Halfords and Evans Cycles. Individual stores from these chains were not
contacted as part of the survey.
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4.
Survey results
4.1 Overview
The overall response rate to the survey was 18%. respondents provided some responses to the survey
from an initial sample size of 350 organisations. 69% of respondents completed all sections of the survey,
while 31% partially completed the survey (abandoning the survey without completing all sections). Partial
completions of the survey included those respondents who did not provide any details of their geographic
location.
4.2 Number recycling
Group(s) questioned: Tyre recyclers, Tyre non-recyclers. Total 63 responses from a possible 63 (100%).
All respondents to the survey provided an answer to the first question, “Does your organisation recycle
bicycle tyres?” Just under three quarters of respondents claimed not to recycle bicycle tyres, while the
remaining quarter claimed to recycle bicycle tyres.
Recycling bicycle tyres
Not recycling bicycle tyres
Figure 4: Recycling amongst respondents
12
4.3 Availability of recycling provision
Group(s) questioned: Tyre non-recyclers.
Those not recycling were asked to provide reasons why recycling of bicycle tyres was not taking place.
Approximately 71% claimed a lack of an available recycling service as the reason they did not recycle
tyres. Around 7% of respondents suggested recycling was too expensive, with the same numbers
claiming recycling was either too difficult, that they did not dispose of any tyres, or simply did not have a
reason for failing to recycle.
Table 2: Reasons for not recycling bicycle tyres
% of responses
N = 42
71
7
7
7
7
Response
Service not available
Expense
Additional difficulty
No waste tyres generated
Don't know
Figures are rounded to the nearest whole number
35
30
Frequency
25
20
15
10
5
0
Service not
available
Expense
Additional
difficulty
No waste
tyres
generated
Reason for not recycling
Figure 5: Availability of recycling provision
13
Don't know
4.4 Levels of recycling / disposal
Group(s) questioned: Tyre recyclers, Tyre non-recyclers. Total 61 responses from a possible 63 (100%).
Both those recycling, and those not recycling were asked to specify, within a range, the number of tyres
that were disposed of each week. From those recycling, fifteen of a possible sixteen respondents
provided an answer. Just over 53% stated that between 1 and 10 tyres were recycled each week, 20%
that between 11 and 20 tyres were recycled each week and just under 27% that between 21 and 30 tyres
were recycled each week.
For non-recyclers forty-four of a possible forty-five respondents provided an answer. Around 11% stated
that no tyres were disposed of each week, 52% that between 1 and 10 tyres were disposed of each
week, 26% that between 11 and 20 tyres were disposed of each week, 4% that between 21 and 30 tyres
were disposed of each week, 2% that between 31 and 40 tyres were disposed of each week and 4% that
between 41 and 50 tyres were disposed of each week.
When responses regarding numbers of tyres recycled or disposed of by both recyclers and non-recyclers
were combined, approximately 8% stated that no tyres were disposed of each week, 52% that between 1
and 10 tyres were disposed of each week, 25% that between 11 and 20 tyres were disposed of each
week, 10% that between 21 and 30 tyres were disposed of each week, 2% that between 31 and 40 tyres
were disposed of each week and 3% that between 41 and 50 tyres were disposed of each week.
Table 3: Numbers of tyres disposed of per week
% of responses
(tyre recyclers
and non recyclers)
N = 61
Number of tyres
disposed of per
week
0
1 to 10
11 to 20
21 to 30
31 to 40
41 to 50
8
52
25
10
2
3
Figures are rounded to the nearest whole number
14
35
30
Tyres not recycled
Frequency
25
Tyres recycled
20
15
10
5
0
0
1 to 10
11 to 20
21 to 30
31 to 40
41 to 50
Number of bicycle tyres per week
Figure 6: Numbers of tyres disposed of per week
4.5 Cost of recycling provision
Group(s) questioned: Tyre recyclers.
Respondents already recycling were asked to provide an indication of the cost per unit charged for tyre
recycling. Only those recycling were asked to respond to this question, as it was assumed that those not
recycling would simply include tyres in landfill bins, for which assigning a per unit cost would not be
possible. More than two-thirds claimed to be recycling at no cost, 23% at a cost of 10p – 50p per tyre,
and 8% at a cost of 51p - £1.00 per tyre.
Table 4: Cost of bicycle tyre recycling
% of responses
N = 13
69
23
8
Free
10p - 50p per tyre
51p - £1.00 per tyre
Figures are rounded to the nearest whole number
15
4.6 Providers of recycling services
Group(s) questioned: Tyre recyclers.
Recyclers were asked the method used to recycle, and to name providers of recycling services. More
than three-quarters of respondents claimed recycling was provided through a private contractor, while
approximately 23% claimed recycling was provided through a local authority.
Table 5: Bicycle tyre recycling service providers
Recycling
service provider
Private contractor
Local authority
% of responses
N = 13
77
23
Figures are rounded to the nearest whole number
Only three specific waste contractors were named as providing tyre recycling services, SITA, AA
Recycling, and Canons Recyclers. Respondents also suggested alternative means of ‘recycling’ which
was not considered as part of the initial survey. One respondent considered reuse of rubber within the
company itself as a means of recycling, while another suggested recycling was carried out through
donation of tyres to local community allotments. Respondents suggesting local authority recycling
services provided collection of bicycle tyres did not state which authorities were used.
Table 6: Bicycle tyre recycling contractors
Specific
recycling
contractors
Unspecified private contractor
Materials reused within the organisation
AA Recycling
Canons Recyclers
Local community allotments
Sita Waste
Materials reused by a craftsperson
Local authority (PL9)
Local authority (YO2)
Local authority (SO50)
Number of
responses
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
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4.7 Interest in tyre recycling as a means to reduce waste costs
Group(s) questioned: Tyre non-recyclers.
Approximately 88% of the current non-recyclers stated an interest in a bicycle tyre recycling service if it
meant a reduce cost of waste disposal, while only 5% would not be interested. 7% of respondents
expressed no preference.
Table 7: Interest in tyre recycling as a means to reduce waste costs
% of responses
N = 41
88
7
5
Response
Yes
Don't know
No
Figures are rounded to the nearest whole number
4.8 General recycling context – other materials
Group(s) questioned: Tyre recyclers, Tyre non-recyclers.
Both current tyre recyclers, and non-recyclers were asked about their attitude to recycling recycling.
100% of those recycling tyres also recycled other materials, while 95% non-recyclers of tyres did recycle
other materials. 96% of all respondents recycled materials other than bicycle tyres.
Table 8: Recycling of other materials
Response
Yes
No
Tyre recyclers
Tyre non-recyclers
Combined
% of responses
N = 13
100
0
% of responses
N = 40
95
5
% of responses
N = 53
96
4
Figures are rounded to the nearest whole number
Both current tyre recyclers, and non-recyclers provided information on the number of different materials
they recycle. Approximately 39% of those recycling tyres and 18% of non-recyclers of tyres recycled 5
other materials.
31% of those recycling tyres and 11% of non-recyclers of tyres recycled 4 other
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materials. None of those recycling tyres and 32% of non-recyclers of tyres recycled 3 other materials.
23% of those recycling tyres and 11% of non-recyclers of tyres recycled 2 other materials. 8% of those
recycling tyres and 29% of non-recyclers of tyres recycled only 1 other material.
Table 9: Number of other materials recycled
Number of
materials
recycled
5
4
3
2
1
Tyre recyclers
Tyre non-recyclers
Combined
% of responses
N = 13
39
31
0
23
8
% of responses
N = 38
18
11
32
11
29
% of responses N = 51
24
16
24
14
24
Figures are rounded to the nearest whole number
5 materials recycled
4 materials recycled
3 materials recycled
2 materials recycled
1 material recycled
Figure 6: Number of other materials recycled
Specific materials recycled
Both current tyre recyclers, and non-recyclers were asked to specify other materials recycled. Scrap
metal was recycled by more than 92% of those recycling tyres and over 71% non-recyclers of tyres.
Carboard was recycled by more than 92% of those recycling tyres and over 86% non-recyclers of tyres.
Paper was recycled by more than 62% of those recycling tyres and over 63% non-recyclers of tyres.
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Plastic wrap was recycled by over 69% of those recycling tyres and around 29% non-recyclers of tyres.
Other plastic was recycled by approximately 54% of those recycling tyres and around 34% non-recyclers
of tyres.
Table 10: Additional materials recycled
Material
recycled
Cardboard
Scrap metal
Other plastic
Paper
Plastic wrap
Tyre recyclers
Tyre non-recyclers
Combined
% of respondents
N = 13
92
92
54
62
69
% of respondents
N = 38
87
71
34
63
29
% of respondents
N = 51
85
75
38
60
38
50
Tyres not recycled
45
Tyres recycled
40
Frequency
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Cardboard
Other plastic
Paper
Plastic wrap
Other materials recycled
Figure 7: Specific materials recycled
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Scrap metal
5.
Discussion
5.1 Availability and uptake of bicycle tyre recycling services
The survey suggested that 25% of respondents recycle waste bicycle tyres and 69% of these
respondents also suggested that recycling was provided at no cost. In the light of the initial research and
the failure to identify any specific bicycle tyre recyclers, both elements were considered to be unlikely. In
order to verify this, each of the contractors specified by respondents were contacted to verify if bicycle
tyre recycling services existed. On further investigation, it appears that this interpretation of the results is
not clear cut. Only one respondent was verified as recycling tyres through a commercial service, AA
Recycling (including tyres in a collection, which was passed to a general tyre recycler for reprocessing)
and a charge applied. Four respondents failed to provide details of the specific contractors used for
recycling so no assessment could be made of the existence of the service offered. However, three of
these were able to specify a per unit charge, suggesting recycling is possible. One respondent provided
details of a private contractor who could not be located, Canons Recyclers. However, this respondent
also suggested no charge was applied, so could be deemed unlikely to be recycling. Similarly one
respondent suggested the contractor, SITA, provided tyre recycling at no charge. However, SITA does
not offer bicycle tyre recycling, so this respondent could also be considered to not be recycling.
Three other respondents had identified local opportunities for reuse (one within their own organisation,
and two through outside opportunities). Where repondents had specified a local authority contract, but
had not identified the local authority in question, the postcode data, provided by respondents, was used
to identify the relevant local authorities. These local authorities were then contacted to verify if any form
of bicycle tyre recycling was offered. None of these potential local authority waste contractors offers a
bicycle tyre recycling service, so although one respondent suggested a charge is applied, all these
respondents were considered to not be recycling.
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Table 11: Verified recyclers
Recycling
method
specified
Unspecified private
contractor
Unspecified private
contractor
Unspecified private
contractor
Unspecified private
contractor
Materials reused
within the
organisation
AA Recycling
Cost
per
tyre
50p £1.00
Recycling
verification?
Unable to identify. Charge applied.
Actual method
of disposal
Unable to identify –
possible recycling
Unable to identify –
possible recycling
Unable to identify –
recycling unlikely
Unable to identify –
recycling unlikely
10p - 50p
Unable to identify. Charge applied.
Free
Unable to identify. No charge applied.
Free
Unable to identify. No charge applied.
Free
Reuse.
Reuse
10p - 50p
Recycling bicycle tyres.
Canons Recyclers
Free
Unable to identify.
Recycling
Unable to identify –
recycling unlikely
Local community
allotments
Free
Reuse.
Reuse
Sita Waste
Free
No bicycle tyre recycling offered by
contractor.
Disposal
Materials reused by
a craftsperson
Free
Reuse.
Reuse
Local authority
(PL9)
Free
Local authority
(YO2)
10p - 50p
Local authority
(SO50)
Free
No bicycle tyre recycling offered by local
authority services covering this postcode
(Plymouth City Council).
No bicycle tyre recycling offered by local
authority services covering this postcode
(York City Council, Yorwaste and
Scarborough Borough Council).
No bicycle tyre recycling offered by local
authority services covering this postcode
(Southampton City Council).
Disposal
Disposal
Disposal
Using these revised figures, only one respondent (1, 1.6%) was verified to be recycling bicycle tyres,
while two (2, 3.6%) may be recycling. Three respondents (3, 4.8%) are reusing bicycle tyres. Fifty-one
respondents (51, 80.9.%) are not recycling bicycle tyres, while three respondents (3, 4.8%) are unlikely to
be recycling bicycle tyres, it was not possible to verify the disposal method. Three respondents (3, 4.8%)
claiming recycling provided no details of recycling contractors so could not be verified.
The existence of one verified bicycle tyre recycler, and the evidence of other car tyre recyclers accepting
bicycle tyres show that recycling for bicycle tyres is an option. However, there is no evidence of any
recycling services or reprocessing designed specifically for bicycle tyres. The limited number of
respondents using the service suggests that these car tyre recycling services are either not being
21
promoted to bicycle retailers, or are not considered appropriate by potential users. This also serves to
highlight the confusion surrounding waste and recycling contracts. In many cases it seems likely that
respondents had been provided a service referred to as ‘waste and recycling’ or similar, and had
assumed that materials included in these collections, would be recycled.
5.2 Scale of the problem
Using the data collected from the respondents to the survey on the numbers of tyres disposed of on a
weekly it is possible to estimate the numbers of bicycle tyres disposed of for all independent bicycle
retailers in the UK for the year. According to information supplied by ACT, the National Association of
Cycle Traders there are 2,774 independent cycle retailers registered with the organisation and this figure
has been used as representative of the total number of independent bicycle retailers in the UK.
Calculations give a low estimate of 1,031,243 bicycle tyres disposed of each year, and a high estimate of
2,223,150 bicycle tyres disposed of each year. Using the average of these figures gives an average of
1,627,197 bicycle tyres disposed of each year.
5.3 Cost effectiveness of bicycle tyre recycling
While the majority of those respondents claiming to use recycling services have been dismissed, one
genuine response and two potentially genuine responses provided useable information on costs of
recycling. The verified response provided a cost per tyre recycled of 10 – 50p as did one of the other
responses. The third useable response gave a cost per tyre recycled of 50p - £1.00. Combining these
results gives an average midpoint cost of 67.5p While this sample size is too small to be considered
representative, when the average of cost per tyre is used, the cost of disposal to landfill in every size of
container (15p – 33p, as shown in Section 2.5), is cheaper than recycling, suggesting there is no cost
incentive for retailers to recycle above disposal to landfill (particularly if they already have a general
landfill waste contract in place for disposal of non-recyclable waste. When this midpoint average cost is
compared to the midpoint of the ‘standard’ charge 75.5p per tyre, (from a range of 51p - £1.00) charged
by car tyre reprocessors (see section 2.2) for car tyres, the costs reported by respondents is slightly
lower. Assuming these respondents are using car tyre processing services (and not bicycle tyre specific
22
services which have not been identified), this does indicate that some bicycle retailers have been able to
identify car tyre reprocessors that will charge a lower than average cost, or have been able to negotiate a
lower cost, than the cost charged for car tyres.
A second element in this issue could also be the way in which tyre recycling (where it is available to
bicycle retailers) is charged, rather than the charge itself. Retailers suggested they were unable to
understand why they are charged at a similar rate per tyre for bicycle tyres as they would be charged for
car tyres. Bicycle retailers expressed concern at this, as the waste tyres they produce appear significantly
smaller and easier to transport, so should be charged at a lower rate. Current charges are perceived as
‘unfair’. This difference can be explained as the low relative volumes of materials generated by the
recycling of bicycle tyres means it is not cost effective when compared to car tyres. The premium charge
covers the loss of resale value for materials after processing. However, individual bicycle retailers are not
able
5.4 Interest in bicycle tyre recycling
While recycling of bicycle tyres is rare, the survey suggested that many bicycle retailers would be happy
to recycle if recycling offered a means to reduce waste disposal costs. 87.8% of respondents who were
not yet recycling explicitly stated they would be willing to recycle. This attitude to recycling was also
assessed through questions on other materials recycled. The level of recycling of other materials across
the respondents supports the view bicycle retailers are pro-recycling, with 95% of those respondents who
do not currently claim to recycle tyres recycling other materials, and more than 60% of these recycling
more than three materials.
While it is difficult to equate other materials suitable for recycling with bicycle tyres, treatment metal and
cardboard, by the retailers surveyed make for interesting comparison. 74% of all those surveyed recycle
scrap metal, while in many cases scrap metal recycling may generate some small revenue, recycling this
material does require additonal consideration and effort as it is unlikely to be suitable for inclusion in a
standard recycling contract. 85% cardboard of all those surveyed recyle cardboard. Although cardboard
23
is an easily recycled material which can be included in most commercial recycling collections, this
material does represent an additional cost to bicycle retailers. The attitude to these materials reinforces
the concept that there is a willingness to recycle amongst this group where possible.
5.5 Awareness of bicycle tyre recycling
There is clear evidence that bicycle tyres do represent a significant source of waste for bicycle retailers
and that bicycle retailers are in the most part willing to recycle. Although there are existing options for
disposal of this waste stream avoiding landfill, there are a number of barriers to the uptake of these
alternative methods. Two major factors, lack of availability and lack of awareness of services, appear to
have a effect on the uptake of services. Tyre recycling services specifically aimed at bicycle tyres appear
to be non-existant in the UK. Although bicycle tyres are accepted by some car tyre recyclers, these
companies are not focussed on this waste stream. Retailers are neither actively pursued as customers by
these companies and those retailers who actively search for bicycle tyre recycling services (for example
through websearches) are unlikely to identify services that specify recycling of bicycle tyres. Combined
these two factors may mean that even those bicycle retailers who are willing to recycle tyres are unaware
that they may be able to use such services.
24
6.
Conclusion and recommendations
6.1 Conclusions on the study
As the study suggests the opportunities for bicycle retailers to recycle bicycle tyres in the UK are limited.
Services that have been offered have either since been withdrawn (such as the Bohle scheme offered
through Fisher Outdoors) due to over subscription, or are provided through car tyre recyclers who choose
not to prioritise this waste stream. Many retailers have expressed an interest in using such a service were
it offered, and have demonstrated a commitment to recycling through responsible disposal of other
materials, but few have identified appropriate alternatives to landfill for bicycle tyre disposal.
It should be noted that the increase of cycling has been accompanied by a growth in popularity of mail
order and online retailers providing bicycle components often for installation by the user. This means that
there is also likely to be a large number of waste bicycle tyres that are generated in users’ homes and are
disposed of through domestic waste collections. As no data is available for this segment, waste tyres
generated in this could not be considered in this study, but should also be of concern to local waste
disposal authorities.
While the aim of this study is not to provide a comprehensive list of recommendations to improve the
practice of bicycle tyre recycling in the UK, there are a number of measues which could increase the
capability of bicycle tyre retailers to recycle end of life tyres.
6.2 Increasing bicycle tyre recycling using existing infrastructure
While this research suggests there are no schemes or contractors providing services exclusively
designed to recycle bicycle tyres within the UK, there are many companies offering tyre recycling
services to process car tyres. This should also be considered as the first option for increasing bicycle
tyre recycling. There are a number of issues that will need to be resolved in order to increase bicycle tyre
recycling through existing tyre processors.
25
-
Car tyre reprocessors need to ensure that technical difficulties do not exist in the processing
of bicycle tyres compared to car tyres. The fact that many reprocessors will accept bicycle
tyres suggests that technical difficulties are unlikely.
-
Car tyre reprocessors need to be encouraged to work with bicycle retailers to offer services.
Currently, most retailers are unaware that car tyre reprocessors will accept bicycle tyres.
-
An appropriate level of pricing needs to be identified, offering an alternative that is competitive
when compared to the cost of sending bicycle tyres to landfill, and to avoid the difficult
comparison with car tyre recycling costs. There are a number of elements which could also
address the issue of charging. Adding premium to the cost of replacement is one such
element. This system is used in Europe (see for example the Bohle scheme offered in
Germany). It is unclear if customers would be willing pay for such services, but car tyre
disposal charges are very common and are accepted. Aggregating waste tyres locally by
groups of shops (for example using local authority waste sites) could also reduce costs, by
reducing the number of collections and would also allows individuals to use the service. Such
a system would require cooperation between bicycle retailers, local authorities and tyre
reprocessors.
6.3 Develop specific systems to recycle bicycle tyres
A service specifically focussed on the collection and recycling of bicycle tyres may increase uptake,
particularly if the service is marketed towards bicycle retailers. However, this option would require
significant investment in an organisation, and potentially in developing infrastructure for bicycle tyre
reprocessing and collection services, probably from a waste management company investing in
reprocessing equipment. Further field recordings of bicycle tyre quantities would also need to be carried
out to assess the feasibility of this option.
6.4 Compel retailers to recycle tyres
As with car and most other vehicle tyres, introducing legislation which also covers the disposal of bicycle
tyres would automatically increase recycling, stopping retailers from disposing of tyres to landfill and
26
sparking interest amongst waste management companies. However, legally obliging retailers to recycle
bicycle tyres generated by their activities could have more negative effects. Adding an additional cost to
disposal of waste bicycle tyres would increase the financial burden on the retailers which could be
passed on to customers. This option would require a fuller study of the environmental impact of
increasing recycling compared to the economic impact on the retailers.
6.5 Reduce the numbers of bicycle tyres disposed of
Prolonging the useable life of bicycle tyres cannot really be considered as an option to reduce waste to
landfill. Equally, for most users, reducing the frequency of tyre disposal simply is not an option, as tyres
are only ever replaced when necessary. For a smaller number of cyclists however, tyre replacement may
be more of a conscious decision for example to improve performance, to address a specific type of
cycling, or simply a fashion statement. For these cyclists the potential to reuse is much clearer and
increased publicity of organisations such as Re~cycle through local authority websites, and bicycle trade
associations could increase the numbers of tyres that could be resued.
27
References
Biffa (2011) Dry Mixed Recycling . Accessed on 10 October 2011 from http://www.biffa.co.uk/productsand-services/waste-collection-services/dry-mixed-recycling.html
Bike biz (2003). Fisher and Bohle Launch Tyre Recycling Scheme. Accessed on 10 October 2011 from
http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/fisher-and-bohle-launch-tyre-recycling-scheme/03678
BMRA (2010) About Metal Recycling. Accessed on 10 October 2011 from
http://www.recyclemetals.org/about_metal_recycling
Cemex (2010) Conserving Fossil Fuels Using Tyres. Accessed on 10 October 2011 from
http://www.cemex.co.uk/su/su_af_ty.asp
CTC (2010) CTC Facts and Figures. Accessed on 10 October 2011 from
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Peacock Fibres (2007) Fibre Recycling. Accessed on 10 October 2011 from
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Recollect (2011) Chunky Tread Dog Collar. Accessed on 10 October 2011 from http://recollect.net/index.php?section=3&subsection=3
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Ryburn Rubber (2011) Recycling and Moulding – New Opportunities for Old Products. Accessed on 10
October 2011 from http://www.ryburnrubber.co.uk/recycling.htm
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http://www.schwalbetires.com/tech_info/tire_construction
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Schwalbe (2010) Tire [sic] Wear. Accessed on 10 October 2011 from
http://www.schwalbetires.com/tech_info/tire_wear
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Appendix A: Survey questions
Does your organisation recycle bicycle tyres?
Yes / No
Approximately how many bicycle tyres do you recycle each week? (only those recycling)
1 – 10
11 – 20
21 – 30
31 – 40
41 – 50
50+
Approximately how many bicycle tyres do you dispose of each week? (only those not recycling)
1 – 10
11 – 20
21 – 30
31 – 40
41 – 50
50+
How much are you charged for bicycle tyre recycling (approximate charge per tyre)? (only those
recycling)
Free
10p – 50p per tyre
51p - £1.00 per tyre
£1.01 – £2.00 per tyre
Who provides your bicycle tyre recycling service?
Local authority / Private contractor
32
Please specify
Is there a reason why you do not recycle bicycle tyres (only those not recycling)
Not available in my area
Too expensive
Too difficult
No waste tyres disposed
Don’t know
Would you use a bicycle tyre recycling service if it reduced the cost of disposal of waste tyres?
(only those not recycling)
Yes
No
Don’t know
Does your organisation recycle any other materials? Please tick all those that apply:
No recycling of other materials
Scrap metal
Cardboard
Plastic wrap
Other plastic
Paper
33