Developing Scrap Tire Programs along the US/Mexico Border Michael Blumenthal Senior Technical...
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Transcript of Developing Scrap Tire Programs along the US/Mexico Border Michael Blumenthal Senior Technical...
Developing Scrap Tire Programs along the US/Mexico Border
Michael BlumenthalSenior Technical Director
Rubber Manufacturers AssociationWashington, DC
RMA Scrap Tire Strategic Goals
• To promote the elimination of all scrap tire piles in an environmentally and economically sound manner
• To promote the management of all annually generated scrap tires in an environmentally and economically sound manner
RMA Scrap Tire Strategic Goals
• To seek public awareness of scrap tire management success
• To advocate for a legislative and regulatory environment that is supportive of the RMA scrap tire mission
Tires on the US/Mexico Border
• Used tires brought into Mexico; many stay along border region
• Unlikely to stop flow of tires into Mexico
• Many stockpiles exist: No accurate data
• No markets exist; worsening pile growth
• Few markets on US side of border
Scrap Tire Situation in Mexico
• No Federal or State legislation or regulations on scrap tires exist
• No fees paid for disposal/transportation
• Limited processing capacity
• Used tires continue to be imported
• Private funds are scarce
Scrap Tires Situation on US Side
• In general, few markets exists along the border region in the 4 border states
• California considering a border market development program
• Arizona not actively working along border region
Scrap Tires Situation on US Side
• Texas has several programs, but no state funds
• New Mexico has no state program, but border region programs are starting
• US EPA considers border region a priority, but has not committed funds
Border 2012
• US & Mexico developed Border 2012 in
2005 as a program to protect the environment & public health along the border region
• An objective of the program is to identify needs for waste management & pollution prevention as they pertain to…solid waste & toxic substances along the border
Border 2012
• One of the four priority issues identified by the Waste Policy Forum was tire piles prevention & clean up
• Stated goal of Border 2012 is to clean up three of the largest sites that contain abandoned scrap tires
Border 2012
• Stockpile abatement has begun
• Abated scrap tires going to Cemex (cement kilns) for fuel
• EPA & SEMARNAT looking to go beyond abatement program to create market infrastructure
Other Initiatives
• Ciudad Juarez/El Paso: Began collection program; tires sent to Cemex
• Nuevo Laredo/Laredo: Have drop off site; tires being sent to Cemex
• Brownsville/Matamoros conducting a study on market options
Many Players Involved
• 7 Mexican Indigenous Peoples
• 26 US Tribes • 28 “Sister” cities • 4 regional working
groups• 3 border-wide
groups
• 3 policy forums• Task forces (many)• 3 EPA offices• 7 SEMARNAT
offices• 4 US state agencies• 6 Mexican states &
their agencies
RMA Involvement
• Presentations at 2 forums in Mexico• Working with SEMARNAT through the
Mexican Embassy to develop a scrap tire management plan for the border
• Chairs an Ad hoc working group that provides a centralized information base
• Member of the Scrap Tire Task Force (with EPA, SEMARNAT & states)
Opportunities
• Scrap tires have been identified as a priority issue
• State, Federal & international organizations looking to fund programs
• Abundant supply of tires
• Well developed industrial base along border region
Opportunities
• TDF is an accepted use for tires; potential end users exist along border
• There is considerable interest in rubber modified asphalt
• Civil engineering applications would be an easy fit
• Well developed transportation system
Challenges
• Neither EPA nor SEMERNAT has a budget for scrap tire programs
• Funds are going to hazardous waste and waste water projects
• Cross-border projects could mean having to deal with multiple levels of ‘red tape’ from multiple agencies
Suggested Approach
• Municipalities can become active players by creating demand for scrap tire-derived material
• Municipalities should seek opportunities to use tire shreds in civil engineering applications
• Use in road embankments can use large quantities of tires
Prerequisites for Success
• Must have municipal leadership support
• Must have support from leadership of the Department of Public Works
• Must provide training sessions to DPW
• Must educate tire processors
• Price paid for tire shreds must be fair
• Must have commitment to success
Training Programs
• RMA has training program material on processing technology; civil engineering applications & business development
• RMA already committed to a civil engineering session in Columbus, NM-Palomas, Chih. area in early 2006
To Have a Training Course
• Municipal leaders must be present
• Decision makers from DPW must be present and commit to using tires
• Design engineers from DPW must be present
• Must have a “champion” to follow up and keep project on track
Market Development
• Some scrap tires already going to Cemex for fuel: should try to expand
• Civil engineering applications is a good second phase market for scrap tires
• Developing a ground rubber production operation in Mexico (i.e., for rubber modified asphalt) is probably not economically viable at this point in time
Market Development
• Creating “cottage Industry” to make products (door mats) from scrap tires could create jobs, income and an infrastructure
• RMA willing to approach mass merchandisers in US as a possible market
Components of Effective Legislation • Comprehensive regulation of generators,
collectors, processors and end users• Strong effective centralized administration and
enforcement oversight• Clear understanding of permitting requirements• Timely processing/review of permit applications• License/permit transporters• Tire tracking system
Components of Effective Legislation
• Limited time fee: dedicated fund – tamper proof
• Funds used to spur market development (no subsidies)
• Grants for testing• Grants for capital equipment to use tire
derived material• No money for processing capacity
Components of Effective Legislation
• Funds used to abate stockpiles– Mechanism for cost recovery– Mechanism for victims of dumping
beef up enforcement
• Gradual phase out of ability to landfill tires
Conclusions
• Unless/until Mexico enacts scrap tire legislation market development will be localized
• Lack of funds will limit pile abatement & market development programs
• Stockpiles will continue to enlarge
Conclusions
• Emphasis should be placed on existing resources (public & private)
• Training programs on “how to start” markets are needed
• Coordination among agencies is needed
• Niche markets could expand into regional markets
Contact InformationContact Information
Michael Blumenthal
Rubber Manufacturers Association202 682 4882
[email protected]/SCRAP_TIRES