Millions of UK tyres meant for recycling sent to furnaces in India | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Waste tire management
• Recycling vs. illegal export
• Pyrolysis plants (unlicensed and unmonitored)
• Environmental pollution and health hazards
• Black market operations
• Government regulations and enforcement
• Producer responsibility and consumer awareness

Waste Tire Disposal in the UK and Illegal Export to India

The BBC investigation "File on Four" reveals that a significant portion of the UK's waste tires are illegally exported to India instead of being recycled domestically or responsibly abroad. While consumers pay a disposal fee with new tire purchases, intended for safe recycling, a large number of these tires end up in unregulated pyrolysis plants in India.

• The Problem: Approximately half of the UK's 50 million end-of-life tires are baled and shipped to India, driven by higher profitability compared to domestic recycling. This equates to roughly 25 million tires or 350,000 tons annually, equivalent to the weight of the Empire State Building.
• Tracking the Tires: The investigation used trackers placed on end-of-life tires to follow their journey from the UK to pyrolysis plants in Central India, a distance of over 1,000 km from the port of entry.
• "Open Secret": The investigation highlights that the illegal export of waste tires to India is an "open secret" within the tire disposal industry.

Pyrolysis Plants in India: Environmental and Health Impacts

The investigation exposes the detrimental environmental and health consequences of processing waste tires in unlicensed and unmonitored pyrolysis plants in India.

• Illegal Activity: Importing tires for pyrolysis is illegal in India.
• Unregulated Operations: Most pyrolysis plants in India operate without licenses or monitoring, leading to severe pollution.
• Dangerous Process: Pyrolysis involves heating tires to high temperatures to extract oil and steel, releasing a "dangerous cocktail of gases and chemicals."
• Environmental Damage: The investigation documented oil spills, carbon dust penetrating roofs, and general disregard for health and safety regulations.
• Health Hazards: Locals near these plants complain of sore throats and coughing, with children playing in soot-covered environments.
• Fatal Accidents: An explosion at a makeshift pyrolysis plant near Mumbai resulted in the deaths of two children and two adults, leading to the temporary closure of seven neighboring plants. However, the investigation found some facilities still operating a month later.

Case Study: Rochdale Tire Disposal Company

The investigation visited a tire disposal company in Rochdale, UK, which openly admitted to exporting tires to India for pyrolysis.

• Company Admission: The company's boss, Zahir, confirmed that the tires are sent to India for processing into furnace oil and carbon.
• Industry-Wide Practice: Zahir claimed that many companies (90% "English people") are involved in this practice, suggesting it's widespread.
• Lack of Responsibility: Zahir argued that he cannot control what happens to the tires once they arrive in India, shifting the blame.
• Government Responsibility: He stated that the practice will continue until the government intervenes and enforces regulations.

Government Regulations and Enforcement

The UK government claims to have "rigorous controls" in place for exporting waste tires, with punishments including unlimited fines and jail time for violations. However, environmental groups argue for stricter regulation of both dealers and the waste itself.

• Existing Regulations: The government asserts that regulations exist to prevent illegal waste exports.
• Enforcement Challenges: The investigation suggests that enforcement is lacking, allowing the illegal trade to flourish.
• Call for Stricter Measures: Environmental groups advocate for more stringent regulations to hold dealers accountable and prevent the export of hazardous waste.

Conclusion

The BBC investigation reveals a concerning trend of illegal waste tire exports from the UK to India, where they are processed in unregulated pyrolysis plants, causing significant environmental damage and health problems. The investigation highlights the need for stricter enforcement of existing regulations, greater accountability within the tire disposal industry, and increased consumer awareness to ensure responsible waste management practices. The "open secret" nature of this practice underscores the urgency for government intervention to protect both the environment and public health.