We all know how bad are the environmental woes in India getting. We already have rapidly worsening air pollution levels, and even the land pollution is on the rise. If plastic pollution wasn’t enough, we have another rapidly growing concern in the current times, and that is related to waste tyres. As such, it is high time we put in efforts to curb environmental issues, or else, soon will come a time when survival will become difficult for the mankind.
At Tribhuvan College, a renowned environmental science college in Delhi NCR, we firmly believe that the best way out in this regard is to educate the youth. We need to familiarize them with environmental problems such as global warming, air pollution, forest fires, and deforestation, to list a few. Today’s youth is not just responsible but also equally vocal. They do not mind sharing whatever information they receive. This makes them better capable of bringing about the much-needed change that we are seeking.
Thus, in an attempt to make our youth aware of the growing environmental concern of waste tyres, we, at Tribhuvan College, will be shedding light on this subject in this article today. We hope the article will help you understand how alarming an environmental hazard is the issue of waste tyres growing into and what can be done to nip the evil in the bud before it’s too late.
What are Waste Tyres?
The tyres removed from vehicles after they become obsolete is what we understand as waste tyres.
You will find it hard to believe, but about one billion tyres are manufactured across the globe every year! However, the sad part is that an equal number of tyres are removed from vehicles, which then end up becoming waste tyres.
The reason why tyres turn into waste is that it is neither possible nor considered easy to recycle them. This has a lot to do with their composition. Precisely, modern tyres are made using a mix of natural and synthetic rubber. Above all, metals and chemical additives are added to tyres in the process of structural reinforcement. There is no surprise that these materials together can become a cause of environmental concern in the form of waste tyres.
Can You Reuse the Used Tyres?
A question that must have often crossed your mind is whether it is possible to put used tyres to a meaningful use.
Well, the answer to this question is that even though it is possible to reuse used tyres, the same cannot be carried out to the full extent. This only means that waste tyres do not see any end and thus will continue to be an environmental hazard unless and until any changes are brought about in its composition.
However, certain countries have been successful in tackling this environmental concern. For instance, in continental Europe, 100% of tyres are put to full use. Similarly, in Britain, 95% of waste tyres are smartly taken care of!
The key thing to derive here is that there is a solution to every problem. If other countries can succeed in tackling the problem of waste tyres, so can India. This is exactly why we believe it is high time our youth come forward and attain the necessary education as well as the confidence to innovate solutions for such environmental problems and more.
We make our students aware of such progressive efforts so that they can start thinking on similar lines. If this happens, our future generations can have a sigh of relief.
Is Dumping of Waste Tyres Really a Solution?
Most people feel that by dumping waste tyres in vacant areas, they are getting rid of the problem.
However, all such people need to note that this temporary fix has a long-lasting impact. Ignorance towards recycling and piling up of waste tyres will only make the situation worse.
Yes, people must have taken efforts to clear such piles and make their contribution to the environment. But there is this one mistake that most people are possibly making, i.e., they forget to clean the area where the waste tyres were stored for days.
This is important because lack of cleanliness will lead to the concerned area continually affecting the environmental balance. After a certain point, there will be no coming back.
Wondering why we are saying so? That’s because studies have revealed that when a tyre comes in contact with the sun, it takes no time for it to release methane gas into the air.
You may think that methane is not a harmful gas, which means it will not harm the environment in any way. But do you know that methane becomes harmful when it is released into the atmosphere without burning?
You will be surprised to know that this harmful gas can eventually lead to climate change, which is a major environmental concern that we are trying to tackle with no relief as of now.
Why are Waste Tyres a Concern?
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Remember: Tyres do not decompose!
Waste tyres wouldn’t have been a problem if they had the ability to decompose. But unfortunately, they aren’t degradable. This means they usually find their way to landfills or junkyards. What happens next is that these waste tyres let out emissions, which contain harmful chemicals. Eventually, these chemicals interfere with land, air, and water, and become a cause of rising pollution. They also have a role to play in emitting greenhouse gases into the environment. Such gases leave behind carbon footprints, which indirectly are responsible for climate change.
If you are of the opinion that since a waste tyre does not decompose, you must simply put it on fire, then also you are mistaken. Burning Waste Tyres is a Big No! If you ever do so, black smoke will be let out in the air, which is highly toxic in nature, and could lead to further worsening of the air quality.
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Should You Extinguish Tyre Fires with Water?
If at all you spot a waste tyre having caught fire, then the first reflex on your part would be to try to extinguish the fire using water. Isn’t it!
However, we would like to caution you here once again.
When you use water to extinguish tyre fires, the chemicals from the tyre are likely to seep into the groundwater. What follows is that it will end up polluting the lakes and ponds.
You will be surprised to know that simply allowing waste tyres to keep lying in one place for a long time can impact the bacteria present in the soil to an extent wherein one day they will cease to exist. The impact could be hence larger than you can think.
This is the reason why we, at Tribhuvan College, one of the leading environmental science colleges in Delhi NCR, believe that it is imperative for the youth to be aware of the influence of obsolete tyres on the flora and fauna. Until and unless they are aware of the hazard a simple practice of throwing away waste tyres can lead to, how would they be able to help in putting a stop to it? This is exactly the aim of our Bachelors in Ecology, Environment, and Water Management program, where we impart our students with the know-how to help protect the environment.
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Waste tyres are home to nasty insects
When waste tyres keep lying in one place, it is quite possible for rainwater to gather in and around such spaces. Even before you realize it, these areas would turn into a breeding ground for insects. You will gradually find mosquitoes laying eggs in these damp areas. Once these insects start dominating these spaces, what follows is exposure to health problems and infections.
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Rubber – A natural resource that is heading to an end
You must know that a large number of tyres are made from rubber, which has now ended up becoming a fast-depleting natural resource.
You will be surprised to know that after planting rubber trees, they take about 5 to 6 years to mature. In fact, even when they grow to their fullest, they need to be sapped every day for the next 20 to 25 years. Thus, it is very important that you remain mindful about using this scarce resource.
Now, the question arises what you should do then?
Well, there is an alternate arrangement that you can explore. You can turn to synthetic rubber to get these tyres manufactured.
Once these tyres turn into waste, there is a special equipment that can be used to separate recyclable material from the minor portion that in certain cases may not be recyclable. This, in turn, serves as a great measure to prevent environmental slippages.
We, at Tribhuvan College, always ensure that we introduce our students to concepts like sustainability and recyclability in a simplified manner. This pushes them to look beyond the set parameters and also read and research to derive viable and eco-friendly solutions.
How Can You Contribute to the Cause?
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Awaken the artist in you:
Now that you know, most used tyres cannot be put to any good use, which is why people choose to dump them. However, if you decide, you can certainly put them to some effective use. We would like to call it upscaling.
For instance, you can try engaging in DIY projects. At a basic level, you can use old tyres to make sculptures, artworks, and crafts. By doing so, you will be increasing the lifespan of the tyre, which will otherwise go to waste.
So, next time, whenever you have waste tyres lying around, try and consider getting creative with them!
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Find out places that may be using waste tyres:
You may not know, but there are zoos and entertainment parks that need waste tyres as animals love to have a good time around them. Similarly, in the case of parks and open gyms, waste tyres can be utilized to design fitness equipment.
Thus, the next time you start looking for landfills or vacant areas to dispose-off waste tyres, first head to a nearby zoo or park, where these tyres may be required. Your job will be half done.
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Fashion footwear it is:
Do you know that tyres can be recycled to be used in fashion footwear! The process of recycling rubber involves stamping and cutting. In this process, large chunks of rubber are left behind.
Ultimately, these large chunks are directed towards designing fashion footwear. The best part is that since this footwear is made from recycled rubber, the overall price that you will have to pay is quite competitive.
Moreover, you will be buying footwear that is not just affordable but also durable and long-lasting.
Setting Up of Recycling Centres Could Be a Good Solution
Many countries were able to mark the impact of waste tyres on the environment early on. They knew that this concern needed immediate attention.
As a part of their comprehensive agenda, they went on to set up recycling hubs. The role of these hubs is to accept waste tyres and get them recycled to prevent them from landing at a landfill or vacant area.
The only rule being only a certain number of waste tyres could be bought for recycling. The recycling hub charges a certain fee for recycling each waste tyre.
As the citizens are made aware of the lasting environmental impact of these waste tyres, they do not mind bringing their waste tyres to the recycling hubs or paying a fee.
At Tribhuvan College, we firmly believe that India needs to adopt similar measures too. Considering the wide geographical coverage and the huge population of India, this might seem like a challenge at first. However, what can be done is to design a well-defined approach towards achieving the final goal.
The real solution lies in not only making the youth aware of the concern but also empowering them to bring their innovative approach and creative edge to the table so that they can come up with ideas and measures which can counter not just environmental hazards but also make it easy to walk in the direction of sustainability.
Waste Tyres – An Environmental Concern That Needs to be Addressed NOW!
Waste tyres are already a major environmental hazard. Period. As such, if we do not adopt measures to tackle this concern now, the damage will be both lasting and irreversible.
The sad part is the lack of awareness. Not many people are aware of the fact that waste tyres have a negative influence on the environment. Thus, it all begins with educating the masses so that they can make environment-friendly choices.
With this in mind, we, at Tribhuvan College, a well-known environmental science college in Delhi NCR, have introduced our 4-year B.Sc. Ecology, Environment and Water Management program. As a part of this program, we bring to light the well-known as well as the lesser-known environmental hazards that need attention right away.
We urge our students to not just be well informed but also make efforts to educate people in their circle. When such a chain is formed, it becomes easier to disseminate vital information. Most importantly, we will be then in a far better position to collectively bring about change!