TDP Catalog

Figure 4 Monthly Flows of Tires to Four Landfills Receiving Majority of California Tires (PTE/Month)

700,000

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500,000

400,000

300,000

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100,000

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Imports and Exports To varying degrees, used tires, processed waste tires (e.g., bales or shreds), ground rubber and buffings are all imported to and exported from California. Trends in these areas are described below.

Used Tire Imports and Exports

Used tires that have been culled and graded depending on their type and quality have long been a staple export from California and other states. Though most California used tires are shipped to Mexico, they also are shipped to other parts of the world, including other Latin American countries, India, and Asia. No estimate of the number of used tires imported into California is available, although relatively small quantities are likely shipped from neighboring states. In 2012 used tire exports from California were estimated to be 1.8 million passenger tire equivalents, the same quantity as in 2011. Estimating the portion of used tires that is exported is challenging because processors and haulers selling used tires do not always know where they may be sold. An unknown percentage of the used tire (domestic) category that was described above under “reuse” were likely sold to domestic distributors who, in turn, exported a portion of the used tires they manage. Also, additional quantities of used tires were likely exported to Mexico through informal means that were not tracked or reported by generators and/or haulers. The main drivers and constraints for used tire exports are the same as for used tires (domestic) described above under reuse. In short, exporting used tires is highly economical because of the low cost to cull and grade them, combined with their relatively high value (about $10-$13 each for passenger tires, and $15-$35 per truck tire, wholesale). Because a high percentage of consumers in Baja Mexico opt to purchase used tires rather than new tires, there is a strong demand for them across the border.

Contractor’s Report to CalRecycle

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