Australian motorists generate 56 Million Tyres every year. Tyre Stewardship Australia has been formed to implement the national Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme to promote the development of viable markets for end-of-life tyres.
A great example of their on-going commitment to reducing the number of tyres ending up in landfill TSA funded research project being undertaken by The University of Melbourne and Tasmanian company Merlin Site Services who are investigating the use of recycled tyre-derived products in the creation of urban paving that can, amongst other benefits, provide water to nearby trees.
Use of permeable pavement in urban storm-water management systems can help to increase groundwater recharge, reduce surface runoff, decrease the risk of flash flooding, help with treatment of storm-water, and prevent runoff pollution to connected water bodies.
The research project is investigating the suitability of using up to 60% waste tyre products, such as crumb rubber, rubber granules and shredded tyre products, in permeable pavement applications as part of more comprehensive irrigation and storm-water management solutions for urban areas.
The program involves both laboratory testing and field studies together with environmental impact and life cycle assessments.
The project is taking research findings into the field, through a pilot installation program, with the objective of providing the construction/civil works industry and local governments with the confidence to further increase the use of TDP as part of storm-water management in urban areas.
Tyre-derived products (TDP) can help to deliver enhanced pavement characteristics that are a very valuable ingredient in meeting a complex engineering challenge. According to TSA Market Development Manager, Liam O’Keefe, “the aim of TSA investment in this research is to support the use of a very high percentage of TDP (up to 60%) in permeable pavement products, providing another opportunity for sustainable management of end-of-life tyres to deliver new products and new jobs.”
To find out more about the fantastic work the TSA are doing to help development of viable markets for end-of-life tyres visit the TSA Website
