Comparison Study of Scrap Tires Management between China and the USA

Abstract

Total generation amount of scrap tires in China and the U.S. reach 500 million and total weights are about 10 million tons. Management on scrap tires is the common challenges for both countries. In this paper, generation situations, material flows and management policies of the two countries were analyzed and compared. Comparison results show higher possession of private vehicles and higher retreading ratio for commercial trucks in the U.S. results in relatively higher generation amounts (0.3billion units) and relatively lighter weights (4.4 million tons). Management policies on scrap tires in the U.S. are more comprehensive and stricter than those in China. The successful implementation of economic instruments in the U.S provides practical experiences for China to improve material flows and avoid illegally oil refining. In the U.S. co-disposed as an alternative fuel is the main outlet for scrap tires, while in China they are mainly recycled to produce reclaimed rubber.