Waste tyre collection costs have been steadily rising in recent years. There are many causes, not the least of which are transport and labour costs. However, whilst collection fees are based on a unit price, the processing is by the ton.
Old Tyres are Getting Heavier
It is the weight that has been a hidden cost in recent years. The average weight of passenger car tyres has gradually increased, when loads arrive at the processers, where the Gate fee is based on weight, the collectors are finding that they are having to pay more per load, even if the unit numbers are the same.
The trend to ultra-low profile (ULP) tyres coupled with the popularity of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) with larger diameter tyres has had a real impact on recycling volumes as new data from Astutus Research reveals. A recent analysis by Astutus reveals that the average weight of a car tyre is now 7 per cent more than it was just five years ago.
According to the Tyre Recovery Association the costs at the collections end of our business that is significant. It is yet another reason why processing costs have risen for although collectors charge by unit for the old tyres collected, processing costs are of course calculated in tons.
