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Environmental and Health Issues and Recommendations  Prevents Waste:
Using retreaded tires conserves a valuable nonrenewable resource - oil. Each year, retreading tires saves more than 400 million gallons of oil in North America. While it takes 22 gallons of oil to make a new tire, retreading a truck tire only uses seven gallons of oil. Retreaded tires can also help divert thousands of scrap tires from disposal each year.[1]
- Retread tires whenever appropriate and feasible.
- Purchase retreaded tires for tires that are 16 inches or greater.
See the Introduction for complete descriptions of these environmental and health issues.
BACKGROUND AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH ISSUES
Retreaded tires are safe, dependable, and cost less than comparable new tires. Retreaded tires are safely used on the drive wheels of school buses, fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles. In addition, approximately 80 percent of all aircraft tires in service in the United States are retreaded.[2] According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), retreaded tires are successfully used on Air Force One.[3] In North America, the trucking industry saves more than three billion dollars annually by using retreaded tires.[4]
When vehicle tires become worn, the tire casing can be reused with new tread. The retreading process bonds new tread to the tire body using a process similar to the manufacturing process of new tires.
Both new and retreaded tires can fail. According to a study conducted by the Arizona Department of Transportation, the most common causes of tire failures in all types of tires - this includes new and retreaded tires - are under-inflation and damage due to roadway hazards and debris.[5]
Environmental and Health Issues
California is faced with the challenge of safely managing 39 million reusable and waste tires generated annually in the state. In addition, an estimated 1.5 million tires are in unpermitted stockpiles throughout the state. Unfortunately, the number of waste tires generated annually continues to exceed the number of tires diverted. In 2003, 28.5 million of the 39 million tires generated were diverted from stockpiling or disposal, and the remaining 10.5 million waste tires generated were disposed of at landfills and mono-fills.[6]
Stockpiled tires present a potential fire hazard that could threaten natural resources by polluting air, soil, and water. In addition, since tires burn very hot and are difficult to extinguish, they may pose a safety hazard for fire personnel and others in the area. Tires also make an excellent breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes that can transmit the West Nile virus [7],[8] and two strains of encephalitis - Lacrosse and western equine.[9]
Using retreaded tires conserves a valuable nonrenewable resource - oil. Each year, retreading tires saves more than 400 million gallons of oil in North America. Retreading a truck tire uses seven gallons of oil, while 22 gallons of oil are used to make a new tire.[10]
Retreading Process
According to the Tire Retread Information Bureau, there are two systems used to retread a tire - Pre Cure and Mold Cure.[11] Both systems produce equally good retreaded tires that can conform to federal standards.
The initial steps, 1 and 2, are the same for the two systems. The steps are:
- Primary Inspection. Each tire is subjected to a visual inspection. Only the best proven worn tires pass this inspection;
- Buffing. After inspection, tires have the old tread mechanically removed on high speed buffers. Today's buffers will remove the proper amount of old rubber while turning the tire to an exact specified diameter and radius;
- Application of new rubber in the tread area.
- Pre Cure System. The tread rubber has already been vulcanized with the new tread design. A thin layer of cushion gum is wrapped around the tread and the pre cured tread is then applied. The cushion gum serves to bond the pre cured tread to the tire. The tire is then placed in a curing chamber and the pre cured tread becomes adhered to the tire through a vulcanizing process very similar to that used in new tire construction.
- Mold Cure System. Unvulcanized tread rubber is applied to the buffed tire. The tire is then placed into a rigid mold which contains the tread design in the tread area. The mold is heated and the rubber in the tread area vulcanizes and adheres to the tire with the new tread design molded in. This vulcanization process is also similar to that used in new tire construction.
Both systems require a combination of time, heat, and pressure to create the vulcanization of the new rubber to the tread area of the tire;
- Final Inspection. The final inspection ensures that only tires meeting quality standards are used;
- Trimming and Painting. A retreaded tire that passes final inspection is trimmed to remove excess rubber and painted. It is then ready for use and future additional retreading as long as it is safe.
If needed, nail hole and section repairs can be performed.[12] Organizations with a large turnover in tires could probably benefit from using a regular tire retreading service.
LAWS AND GUIDELINES
California
Statute and Regulations
State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign (SABRC)
- Recycled-Content Product Procurement Requirements
- Recycled-Content Certification Requirements
- PCC section 12205 requires all State agencies to obtain from all suppliers written certification of the postconsumer recycled content of each product offered or sold to the State. Recycled-content certification forms are available in the SABRC training manual.
- Recycled-Content Product Procurement Report
- Recycled-Content Product Procurement Contract Language
- PCC section 12217(f) directs State agencies to remove contract provisions that impede the consideration of recycled products and to replace them with performance standards.
Tire Condition and Use
California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 13, section 1087
(c) Recapped Tires. Tires recapped or retreaded for highway use shall have a tread pattern that complies with Section 27465 of the Vehicle Code and with this section. Recapped or retreaded tires shall not be used on front wheels of a bus or farm labor vehicle. Such tires shall not be used on the front wheels of truck tractors or motortrucks listed in Vehicle Code Section 34500 unless the tires are in compliance with the following requirements:
(1) Tires shall have been retreaded or recapped not more than two times and shall contain no casing repair other than that required by a nail puncture.
(2) Tires shall conform to either the labeling and other requirements of the 1972 CRSC [California Retreading Standards Committee] Retreading Specifications and Standards or to the Industry Standards For Tire Retreading & Repairing revised September 1, 1995. Tires retreaded on or after November 1, 1997, shall conform to the Industry Standards For Tire Retreading & Repairing revised September 1, 1995.
(3) A new-tire manufacturer who is assigned an identification number by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) may certify adherence to standards equal to or better than CRSC standards (only until November 1, 1997), or the Industry Standards For Retreading & Repairing revised September 1, 1995 for retreaded tires produced in his/her company-owned-and-operated retreading facilities. Such certification shall comply with marking or labeling requirements of CRSC (only until November 1, 1997), or the Industry Standards for Tire Retreading & Repairing revised September 1, 1995, except that the certification mark branded into the tire may be of original design. A certification mark of original design shall show the name or trademark and assigned DOT registration number of the manufacturer and designate which of his/her retreading facilities produced the tire.
(4) Successive Retreads. When a retreaded tire bearing the markings specified in preceding subsections is retreaded a second time, the prescribed label shall be cancelled by a diagonal line or other distinctive mark through the label.
(d) Tires on Dual Wheels. The outside diameters of tires used on dual wheels shall be so matched that on a level roadway each tire will contact the surface at all times.
Federal
- The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requires procuring agencies to buy recycled-content products designated by the USEPA in the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG). Retreaded tires are USEPA-designated items. "Procuring agencies include all federal agencies, and any state or local government agencies or government contractors that use appropriated federal funds to purchase the designated items. If your agency spends more than $10,000 per year on a product designated in the CPG, you are required to purchase it with the highest recycled-content level practicable."[13] This means that the recycled-content ranges recommended in the USEPA's Recovered Materials Advisory Notice (RMAN) for the item in question are met. [14],[15] The USEPA recommends that agencies procure tire retreading services and procure tires through competition between vendors of new tires and vendors of retreaded tires.
Executive Order 13101 and the Federal Acquisition Regulation also call for an increase in the federal government's use of recycled-content and environmentally preferable products.[16]
- Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
49CFR393.75(d), revised 2005, prohibits buses from operating with regrooved, recapped or retreaded tires on the front wheels.
49CFR571.117, revised 2004, establishes standard performance, labeling, and certification requirements for retreaded pneumatic passenger car tires similar to the safety standards for new tires.
49CFR571.120, revised 2003, authorizes retreaded tires to be used on motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) provided the tires were originally manufactured to comply with standard number 119, established under 49CFR571.119, revised 2004. 49CFR571.139, revised 2004, specifies standards for tire dimension, test requirements, labeling requirements, and defines tire load ratings to be used with new and retreaded tires for light vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) or less that were manufactured after 1975.
PERFORMANCE
According to the Federal Safety Standards developed by the United States Department of Transportation, retreaded tires can be driven at the same speeds as new tires with no loss in safety or comfort. And with proper maintenance and care, they deliver about the same mileage as new tires.[17]
The United States Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) maintains a list of manufacturers and brands of retreaded tires currently approved by TACOM that have passed qualification testing and/or technical reviews to certain American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
At this time, only tires 16 inches and larger are known to be available that pass all applicable standards and specifications for retreaded tires .[18]
According to the USEPA, it is a myth that retreaded tires have a higher failure rate than new tires. "Rubber on the road comes from both new tires and retreaded tires, primarily from truck tires that are overloaded, underinflated, or otherwise abused. New or retreaded tire failures can be greatly reduced by following all the rules of good maintenance, including proper mating with regard to diameter and tread depth and design, and maintaining proper air pressure." Properly maintained tires, both new and retreaded do not cause accidents.[19
Common causes of tire failures in all types of tires include:
Punctures
Punctures are an unavoidable problem that affects both new and retreaded tires; however regular tire inspections and routine maintenance can lessen the impact of this hazard;
Under-inflation
All tires have a tendency to lose air over a period of time. Thus, under-inflation "creates excess tire drag, increasing friction between the tire and the road surface. This generates greater amounts of heat, which speeds tread wear and weakens tire components, thereby decreasing the usable life of the tire and rendering it prone to failure." Under-inflated tires can also cause weight distribution problems." An under-inflated tire in a dual position doesn't carry its full share of the load. This in turn, affects chassis loading, traction, steering, alignment and breaking. It may also cause noticeable steering pull when driving or braking";
Over-inflation
Over-inflated tires become rigid and the capacity for absorption of sudden shocks on the road is reduced. As a result, over-inflated tires are more susceptible to tears, punctures, and breaks;
Excessive loading
Exceeding a tire's load capacity can increase tread wear, reduce sidewall resilience, and decrease fuel economy;
Driver error
Driver errors include poor maneuvering and operating practices. Drivers have the tendency to allow tires to either hit or roll over curbs. This practice may dent rims, cause blow outs, belt separation, and air loss; and
Axle alignment and other conditions
If the axle isn't aligned properly it can cause increased wear on the outside or inside shoulders of the tires. Mismatched tires will cause the larger tire to carry most of the load and the smaller tire will wear irregularly and quicker.[20]
Helpful hints
- Use steel sidewall casings.
- Check the vendors' facility to ensure their operations and process of retreading tires are acceptable.
- Retread the same brand tires to your new tires because not all tires have the same rolling radius. This is especially true on four-wheel-drive units.
AVAILABILITY
In North America, 18 million retreaded tires were sold during 2004 resulting in sales of more than $3 billion.[21] An estimated 757,000 retreads were sold in 2003 by plants in California.[22] However, at this time, only tires 16 inches and larger are known to be available that pass all applicable standards and specifications for retreaded tires .[23]
COST
Note: The following discussion on cost is general and is not meant to reflect specific contracts or to supersede existing mandates or policies.
Many tires can be retreaded more than once; therefore, agencies can avoid the disposal costs of the tires. Retreaded tires are typically 30 percent to 50 percent less expensive than new tires. For example, the average price of a retreaded tire for a light truck is $60, while the price of a new tire of the same size can reach $100 or more .[24]
The California Integrated Waste Management Board's (CIWMB) Tire Recycling Market Guide also compares price differences between retreaded and new tires. This research also concludes that retreaded tires cost less than new tires.
SPECIFICATIONS
California
Tips for Writing Specifications
Specify that retreaded tires shall meet all performance and quality standards specified in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards determined by the United States Department of Transportation and the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 13, section 1087.
Other Specifications
Federal
The USEPA recommends that procuring agencies:
- Specify that tire repair and retread services must conform to Federal Specification ZZ-T-441H (or current version); and
- Specify that retread tires must meet the requirements of Federal Specification ZZ-T-381, "Tires, Pneumatic, Vehicular (Highway) (New and Retreaded)."[25]
Retreaded tires specifications are available in the USEPA's database of Environmental Information for Products and Services under fleet maintenance; under the contract and policy language you will find recommended guidelines developed by a contractor for the USEPA and the State of Ohio's specifications. The recommended guidelines are also available on the Tire Retread Information Bureau's Web site.
VENDORS
Check to see if your distributor carries or can obtain retreaded tires. Vendors can be found on the following list servers or databases.
Recycled-Content Product Directory
The California Integrated Waste Management Board's Recycled-Content Product Directory contains thousands of listings of recycled-content products from thousands of suppliers.
Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines
The USEPA's list of designated products and the accompanying recycled-content recommendations provides recycled-content product information and two sources of vendors. One source is the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines Supplier Database that identifies manufacturers and suppliers of retreaded tires. The second source is GSA Advantage that lists products available through the Federal Supply Service.
Tire Retread Information Bureau
The Tire Retread Information Bureau maintains the Retread Tire Buyers Guide, which lists vendors and the types of retreaded tires they sell.
SUCCESS STORIES
California
California State Parks
In 2001, California State Parks conducted a pilot program testing retreaded tires in three equipment vehicles. During this pilot program, California State Parks did not experience any problems or abnormal wear. California State Parks did not find any reason to not continue using retreaded tires.
California Department of Transportation
In 1997, the Department of Transportation, Equipment Service Center developed the following policy on retreaded tires:
- All passenger vehicle tires 16" and below will not be retreaded;
- Light truck tires 16" and above, all heavy truck, and construction equipment tires will be retreaded;
- Trailer tires, including heavy duty design (e.g.., low-boy trailers) will be retreaded;
- Light and heavy truck retread tire applications will be limited to drive axles only. Steering axles will use new tires only;
- Construction equipment (e.g.., graders, loaders, etc.) will use retreaded tires on all wheels, including steering axles;
- Tire carcasses will be retreaded a maximum of two times; and
- "Certified" retreads will not be used.
City of Santa Monica, CA
The City of Santa Monica has been using retreaded tires for more than 20 years. According to the City, its entire fleet, consisting of 585 vehicles, uses retreaded tires. (As of December 2005)[26]
City of Davis, CA
The City of Davis has purchased retreaded truck tires of 10R22.5 and larger since 1993. These tires are installed on the rear axle only, not the front axle. The city installs them on all city trucks including fire trucks. The city even attempted to utilize retreaded light truck tires for pickups and other small trucks, but had numerous failures due to retreading low quality tire casings. Therefore, the city no longer uses retreaded tires on light trucks (As of January 2006).
Other Users
The Northwest District of the Minnesota Department of Transportation has been using retreaded tires on its maintenance trucks. Retreads are used on the rear wheels of 75 snowplow trucks, as well as on loaders and mower tractors. The District is satisfied with the product and it saves money in comparison with buying new tires.[27]
Other users of retreaded tires include (As of 2005):
Air Force One
United States Postal Service
United States Department of the Interior
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
United States Department of Defense
Massachusetts
RESOURCES AND WEBSITES
California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB)
Sacramento, CA
(916) 341-6000
The CIWMB's mission is to reduce waste, promote the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protect public health and safety and the environment, in partnership with all Californians. The CIWMB maintains a Tire Management Web site.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Washington, DC
(800) 832-5660
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is under the United States Department of Transportation, establishes safe operating standards and requirements for commercial vehicle drivers, carriers, vehicles, and vehicle equipment.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
St. Paul, MN
(651) 296-6300
(800) 657-3864
The MPCA is a state agency that provides information and assistance on pollution prevention practices to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations involving air quality, surface and groundwater, and solid and hazardous waste. The MPCA maintains fact sheets on properly managing a variety of wastes. For more information on managing tire waste, see the "Managing Waste Tires" fact sheet.
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA)
Washington, DC
(202) 682-4800
The RMA is the national trade association for the rubber products industry. Its members include more than 100 companies that manufacture various rubber products, including tires, hoses, belts, seals, molded goods, and other finished rubber products.
Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota (SWMCB)
The SWMCB distributes resource materials on a variety of waste issues for residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations and government organizations. In particular, "The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide" provides government purchasers with information on purchasing environmentally preferable products. Over thirty types of products are addressed in the Guide. Information about environmental and health issues, cost, availability, performance and specifications for each product is provided. Section 7.4 addresses retreaded tires.
Tire Industry Association (TIA)
Bowie, MD
(800) 876-8372
The TIA is an international association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, and also those suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. The TIA was formed by the July 2002 merger of the International Tire & Rubber Association (ITRA) and the Tire Association of North America (TANA).
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Washington, DC
(202) 272-0167
In order to assist federal agencies in purchasing environmentally preferable products and services, the USEPA offers a range of information about products such as retread tires. Visit the USEPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines Web site for its Recycled Material Advisory Notices (RMANs), which recommend recycled-content levels. Or order paper copies of the RMANs or Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines by contacting the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at (800) 490-9198.
[1] Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide, Section 7.4. Available at: http://www.greenguardian.com/eppg/7_4.asp.
[2] Ibid.
[3] United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6: South Central. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/docs/earth1r6/6xa/tires_epa.htm (offline).
[4] Tire Retread Information Bureau. Retread Facts, 2005. Available at: http://www.retread.org/Facts/index.cfm/ID/225.htm.
[5] Arizona Department of Transportation. Survey of Tire Debris on Metropolitan Phoenix Highways. 1999.
[6] California Integrated Waste Management Board. California Waste Tire Generation, Markets, and Disposal: 2003 Staff Report. 2005. Available at: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Publications/default.asp?pubid=1125.
[7] California West Nile Virus Web site. Fight the Bite! Home and Garden Maintenance Checklist. Available at http://westnile.ca.gov/website/edu_materials/home_garden_checklist.pdf. Accessed on January 27, 2006.
[8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web page on overview of report titled "Public Health Confronts the Mosquito: Developing Sustainable State and Local Mosquito Control Programs." Available at http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DVBID/westnile/resources/wnv_ReportOverview.htm. Accessed on January 27, 2006.
[9] Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Managing Waste Tires Fact Sheet. 1999. Available at: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/pubs/w5-01.pdf.
[10] Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide, Section 7.4. Available at: http://www.greenguardian.com/eppg/7_4.asp.
[11] Tire Retread Information Bureau, How a Tire is Retreaded, 1998-2005. Available at: http://www.retread.org/packet/index.cfm/ID/20.htm.
[12] Ibid.
[13] United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2004 Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines Buy-Recycled Series Vehicular Products Fact Sheet. Available at http://www.epa.gov/cpg/factshts.htm.
[14] From California Integrated Waste Management Board staff communication with Office of the Federal Environmental Executive staff on December 12, 2005.
[15] United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2004 Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines Buy-Recycled Series Vehicular Products Fact Sheet. Available at http://www.epa.gov/cpg/factshts.htm.
[16] Ibid.
[17] Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide, Section 7.4. Available at: http://www.greenguardian.com/eppg/7_4.asp.
[18] California Integrated Waste Management Board. State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign Training Manual for FY 03/04, page 18. Available at: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/BuyRecycled/StateAgency/Manual/.
[19] Ibid.
[20] Arizona Department of Transportation. Survey of Tire Debris on Metropolitan Phoenix Highways. 1999. Available at www.retread.org/PDF/Study_AZ.pdf.
[21] Tire Retread Information Bureau. 2005 Fact Sheet Retreaded Tires. Available at: http://www.retread.org/Facts/index.cfm/ID/267.htm.
[22] California Integrated Waste Management Board, California Waste Tire Generation, Markets, and Disposal: 2003 Staff Report, 2005. Available at: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Publications/default.asp?pubid=1125.
[23] California Integrated Waste Management Board. State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign Training Manual for FY 03/04, page 18. Available at: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/BuyRecycled/StateAgency/Manual/.
[24] Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide, Section 7.4. Available at: http://www.greenguardian.com/eppg/7_4.asp.
[25] United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2004 Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines Buy- Recycled Series Vehicular Products Fact Sheet. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/cpg/factshts.htm.
[26] City of Santa Monica, Fleet Management Division, 2005. Available at:
http://santa-monica.org/epwm/Maintenance_mgmt/fleet.htm.
[27] Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide, Section 7.4. Available at: http://www.greenguardian.com/eppg/7_4.asp.
Special Note: Portions of the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Best Practices Manual were borrowed or adapted from the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota.
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