Closed Loop Program
Our proposed closed loop scrap tire recycling system began in mid-1993 and continue through to this date and has become self-financed through our collection program.
The project has four main elements:
- A County-wide collection system for used tires
- A central storage and pre-processing facility
- Asphalt rubber paving projects done each year to use the rubber tires generated
- The fabrication of articles from crumb rubber for highway use such as pylons, barriers, catch basin and manhole lift rings, etc.
Summary
The Closed Loop Recycling of scrap tires is a concept in which used tires generated in a community are recycled and the recovered rubber is used entirely in local markets within our municipality.
The benefits to the Ministry of the Environment and the County of Grey are as follows:
The existence of a closed loop recycling program within our County. As far as we know this is the first of its kind in North America or in the World. The program serves as a working example to which any other municipality in Ontario, with scrap tire problems, could be directed.
The availability of a scrap tire collection system eliminates the opportunity for illegal disposal and storage of scrap tires.
An audit record of the rate of generation and types of scrap tires generated in our County.
An opportunity to advertise Grey County and the Ministry's support via a brightly painted collection vehicle and attractive program participation signs at all the used tire collection locations.
Market development support for Ontario crumb rubber producers. These firms have a need to demonstrate the use of their products in realistic market applications.