Waste Treatment: Tires

Tire waste treatment covers the collection, reuse, and recovery of end-of-life tires. Recovery operations include retreading, material recycling (rubber granulates, steel), and energy recovery through incineration in authorized facilities. Producers and importers of tires must contribute to an approved eco-organization or manage collection and treatment themselves.

Operating a tire treatment facility may require ICPE (installations classées pour la protection de l'environnement) classification depending on the quantities stored and processed. A prefectural declaration, registration, or full authorization is needed based on the scale of operations. You must maintain waste tracking records and comply with fire safety requirements, as tire stockpiles present significant fire risks.

Applicable Regulations

  • Treatment Hierarchy: Mandatory compliance with national policy - preparation for reuse, recycling, energy recovery, then disposal
  • ICPE Category 2791: Non-hazardous waste treatment installation (excluding specific categories)
  • Authorization: Required if quantity processed ≥ 10 tons per day
  • Declaration: Required if quantity processed < 10 tons per day

Financial Guarantees

  • Requirement: Mandatory subscription for ICPE subject to authorization
  • Possible Forms: Credit/insurance institution commitment, ADEME guarantee fund, Caisse des dépôts deposit, autonomous guarantee from majority shareholder
  • Duration: Minimum 2 years, renewal at least 3 months before expiry
  • Coverage: Site securing, accident/pollution interventions, restoration after closure