UK Tyres Exported to India: A Dangerous Recycling Dilemma
Investigations by the BBC uncovered that millions of UK tyres meant for recycling are being sent to illegal pyrolysis operations in India, resulting in significant health and environmental repercussions. Despite existing regulations from the UK government, evidence suggests many tyres enter the black market, and local populations face health risks due to pollution from these operations. There are calls for the reclassification of tyres as hazardous waste to address this issue more effectively.
Recent investigations have revealed that millions of tyres from the UK, intended for recycling, are being improperly disposed of in makeshift furnaces in India, leading to severe health and environmental consequences. The BBC discovered that a significant portion of exported waste tyres has been entering the black market in India. Industry experts, including Elliot Mason, owner of a prominent UK tyre recycling facility, acknowledge the widespread knowledge of this issue within the industry.
Official UK channels, particularly the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), assert that they enforce stringent regulations against exporting waste tyres with a potential for severe fines and imprisonment. However, upon changing tyres, consumers typically pay a nominal recycling fee, which is expected to ensure proper recycling at licensed facilities, such as Mason’s plant, which has operated since 1996, converting tyres into rubber crumbs suitable for various applications.
Annually, the UK generates approximately 50 million waste tyres, with about half being exported to India for recycling. Yet, contrary to expectations, around 70% of these tyres are processed in unregulated pyrolysis plants, employing dangerous methods to extract materials at extreme temperatures without proper safety measures. This process has led to the emission of hazardous gases and chemicals, endangering the health of workers and nearby residents.
To investigate further, the BBC, in collaboration with SourceMaterial, tracked tyre shipments to India, revealing an illicit journey to compound sites where tyres were piled for pyrolysis. Reports indicated deteriorating conditions in such areas, with local residents plagued by respiratory issues and environmental degradation linked to the operations of these plants. An Indian environmental lawyer noted that up to 2,000 pyrolysis facilities exist, roughly half of which are unlicensed.
An instance of tragic consequence occurred in Wada, India, where an explosion at a pyrolysis plant, processing European tyres, led to the deaths of two women and two children. Following public outcry, local authorities have since shut down several such operations. Despite these measures, the economic incentive for UK businesses to export baled tyres persists, often bypassing lawful processing for more profitable but hazardous routes.
Some UK dealers indicated they were aware their exported tyres would be misused in India and voiced their inability to control outcomes, emphasizing the international nature of such dilemmas. Meanwhile, Defra is contemplating reforms to address these issues and ensure better environmental stewardship. Experts have called for a recognition of tyres as hazardous waste, as seen in Australia, which has effectively barred baled tyre exports to combat similar problems abroad.
In summary, the investigation into UK tyre exports reveals a troubling scenario where millions of tyres intended for recycling are being diverted to illegal pyrolysis operations in India, causing severe health risks and environmental damage. Though regulatory bodies claim to enforce strict controls, the reality indicates significant loopholes. Urgent reforms and stricter definitions of waste types are necessary to curb this practice and protect both public health and the environment.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
