TRACS launches annual report

The TRACS 2012 annual report shows that TRACS is successfully maintaining its reputation as Ireland’s first, largest and leading tyre monitoring and compliance scheme. Statistically adjusted figures show overall membership has increased significantly with well over 90% of the sector as a whole now signed up to the TRACS (Tyre Recovery Activity Compliance Scheme).

Towards the end of 2011, the number of members in TRACS had reached approximately 630, by company, representing over 750 sites.  84% of producers/importers, 68% of retail outlets, 60% of wholesalers and 82% of waste collectors by unit have now become members of TRACS. Through increased participation in the waste management process, TRACS’ members have been positively changing the way the industry as a whole perceives its waste obligations.

2011 figures show that 47.59% of waste tyres were crumbed for conversion into saleable products, 11.18% of waste tyres were exported whole for further treatment and 21.48% were baled.  12.75% were shredded. Most exports (baled and whole) as well as shredded tyres are usually processed as tyre derived fuel.  Over 150k waste tyres were reported by waste collectors as given to farmers.  These figures show good waste management practices of the waste tyres collected.

According to TRACS director Fiacra Quinn, “With increased sector compliance has come a wider industry and public understanding of TRACS’ important role in monitoring and tracking the proper channelling of waste tyre material. We call on any still unregistered collectors of end of life tyres to sign up with TRACS and to deal with their waste in an ethical and responsible manner. TRACS also urges all retailers to deal only with registered and authorised waste collectors and to look for a Recovery Certificate as proof of authenticity.”

Co-operation between TRACS and relevant authorities has steadily increased over the past year, with TRACS reporting monthly to the local authorities and the DECLG on the entire known supply chain and waste collectors in Ireland, those who are participating in TRACS, those not participating, and those farmers who have received tyres.

While most responsible operators are now TRACS members, there are still a number of small and transient operators in an increasingly fragmented market, TRACS says.

TRACS says its  has made notable inroads in convincing many of these new players to make responsible waste management decisions for the benefit of themselves and their customers.

TRACS sits on the National Waste Forum representing the industry and shared its expertise in relation to waste tyre management with the Northern Ireland Assembly Environment Committee during 2011.

TRACS is fully committed to challenging and changing industry behaviour for the better.  More information including a full list of importers, manufacturers, retailers and waste collectors in Ireland who have registered with TRACS is available on the TRACS website,  www.tracsireland.ie