An inventory analysis of waste tyre generation and management in South Africa

Abstract

Global waste generation, particularly waste tyres, is a significant issue, with South Africa contributing significantly to this problem. In 2021, 1.5 billion waste tyres were generated, with an expected 4.3% annual increase. South Africa’s waste management sector faces challenges due to socioeconomic, environmental, and institutional pressures. The study employed a triangular methodological approach to collect data, which involved using various waste tyre statistical reports and organisations, analysing data from both national and provincial vehicle information, and interpreting and consolidating the resulting trends. The study found that from 2016 to 2022, the country converted 72.7% of its new tyre sales into waste tyres, additionally, 31.5% were recovered and processed. At a provincial level, four provinces, namely Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga, accounted for 74% of the waste tyres generated nationwide. Moreover, South Africa adopted various diversion methods, including exporting, reuse, material and energy recovery, and pyrolysis; with Gauteng implementing all strategies and Mpumalanga implementing only two strategies due to capacity constraints. The study concluded that there is a need for formalised waste tyre collection and processing facilities, especially in rural and less developed provinces. This work recommends further research to ascertain the capacities of waste tyre processing facilities in the five remaining provinces to provide a holistic review of tyre management nationally. Additionally, it suggests an investigation into the environmental impacts of the identified and quantified waste tyre management strategies employed in all provinces. This will support decision-makers in identifying the most sustainable and ecologically friendly tyre management technologies.