Ontario scrap tire site clean-up commences

Unisphere Waste Conversion recently commenced operations under its Ontario tire remediation contract on August 13, 2003. In spring 2003 former the Ontario Government pledged $1-million to clean up stockpiled tire sites to help reduce potential fire hazards and potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus.

The former provincial Environment Minister requested that Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO) develop a diversion program for used tires and establish an Industry Funding Organization (IFO) made up of brand owners and importers of tires. The IFO and WDO are to work with stakeholders to develop these diversion plans and submit them to the minister for approval.

Approximately 11 million used tires are generated in Ontario each year. About 4.5 million are recycled and used for such products as automotive parts, playground and sports surfaces, running tracks, mats, and more.

Unisphere processes scrap tires through thermo-chemical decomposition (pyrolysis) and produces economically viable, reusable raw materials and recovered tire derived energy products. Unisphere is continuing with the development of its first TDP (Tire Derived Products) facility in the Port of Belledune in the Province of New Brunswick.

For further information, call 416-966-4555