Continental warns of environmental impact from burning tyres on bonfires

Continental Tyres Ireland is advising people not to burn tyres on Halloween bonfires this year. Aside from the environmental impact of such reckless behaviour, it warns that there is a strong public health reason for not placing tyres on a bonfire.

Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland said: “We would strongly advise against burning tyres on a bonfire, for, aside from it being illegal, smoke from burning tyres carries toxins that are detrimental to both humans and animals.

“The residue from burnt tyres can also be very damaging to the environment. In fact, the only safe way to burn a tyre is in a concrete kiln which would have sophisticated filtration systems in place to neutralise any toxins.”

“Given the moves by local authorities across Ireland towards lessening the environmental impact of Hallowe’en celebrations, we are asking responsible adults at Hallowe’en events to ensure the celebration is safe for all who attend and that it causes as little environmental damage as possible,” Dennigan added.

“As an alternative to kiln incineration, tyres can be recycled in a number of environmentally-friendly ways. Similar to all responsible tyre producers in Ireland, Continental works with Circol ELT, the designated body for finding sustainable outcomes for end of life tyres as approved by the Irish government’s Department of Environment, Climate and Communications,” he concluded.