Shire sends used tyres to recycling
MEDIA RELEASE - Shire sends used tyres to recycling
March 2016
Stockpiles of used tyres from the Shire of Manjimup's four waste facilities - Manjimup Recycling and Refuse Centre and the transfer stations at Northcliffe, Pemberton and Walpole - have recently been sent off to be recycled rather than being sent to landfill.
The Shire's waste facilities are licensed to stockpile used tyres in moderate numbers, pending final disposal. In keeping with current best practice of diverting tyres from landfill, the Shire has been working with Perth-based tyre recycler - Giacci Global - a licensed facility where the tyres are shredded and the steel removed. The rubber is then fine-chipped to provide the basic resource for the manufacture of various products, including soft fall surfacing for children's playgrounds.
Shire President Wade DeCampo explained how the choice to recycle the tyres was clear and easy. "It's not rocket science. It really is just a matter of choosing between allowing used tyres to have a negative impact on us and our environment or doing something positive to conserve resources and protect the health and wellbeing of our communities."
The use of recycled rubber rather than raw materials in the manufacture of soft fall, modern sports surfaces, civil engineering and building insulation also reduces global greenhouse gas emissions and curtails the need to clear tropical native forest for rubber tree plantation expansion.
Tyres sent to landfill present a number of risks to community health and safety and to environmental integrity. Should they catch alight, tyre fires are almost impossible to extinguish and the smoke and gases produced are highly toxic. Tyres in landfill or exposed to the weather continue to leach hazardous compounds into the environment for decades. Rainwater collecting in used tyres can provide perfect breeding sites for mosquitoes - including those which may carry disease.
"One of the rewards for our local efforts is the knowledge that as a Shire we are a real part of global endeavours to make our planet more sustainable," Cr DeCampo said. "Simple actions like this can have far reaching and long term positive outcomes."
For further information, contact Mark Sewell, Waste Management Officer for the Shire of Manjimup on 9771 7777.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.
Contact: 0427 094 081
