Abstract
Waste tyres and their accumulation is a global environmental concern; they are not biodegradable, and, globally, an estimated 1.5 billion are generated annually. Every year around 350,000 tons of end-of-life tyres (ELT) are managed in Italy, collected from cars, two-wheeled vehicles, trucks, up to large quarry vehicles and agricultural vehicles. ELTs are collected and sent for material or energy recovery, in line with the circular economy principles. This paper investigates the environmental impacts of two common scenarios of ELT treatments. Specifically, it is analysed the recycling of crumb rubber (CR, deriving from the tyre shredding) for the composition of bituminous mixtures for the wearing course of roads. This scenario is compared with the energy recovery route in a dedicated incinerator. To this aim the standardised methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (ISO 14040-44) is employed. Results shows that for most part of the impact categories analysed, the material recovery presents higher environmental benefits if compared with energy recovery.
Highlights
Through the recycling of end-of-life tyres (ELT) it is possible to recover rubber granulates, as well as steel and textile
The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been modelled with a system expansion to consider both the impacts of the recycling/incineration and the credits derived from the respective avoided products
Results show that for most of the impact categories analysed through the ILCD midpoint method, the recovery of crumb rubber (CR) for its use in civil works has higher benefits than the energy recovery in incineration plants
Summary
Due to recent global recognition and strong environmental awareness, many authorities have imposed strict rules and regulations regarding this waste product to prevent excessive stockpiles and landfill operations [2]
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