The van and car tyres were transported to the UK Cement Industry (Lafarge Industries) via Sapphire Energy, where they were shredded and then fed into the cement kiln as a replacement fuel for coal.
Vellco insists that this is not only environmentally beneficial, but it also reduces NOX oxides of nitrogen, as well providing as an efficient calorific burn value compared with coal.
Light truck tyres do not go into the cement process – they are recycled into their constituent components, such as rubber and steel. The rubber “chips” are further granulated into crumb rubber of various grades, which are used as secondary raw material in the production of artificial sports surfaces, children’s playgrounds, rubber mats, and various other rubber products.
With 250 tonnes of van tyres, 20 tonnes of light truck tyres and 540 tonnes of car tyres lined up for collection in 2013, the recycling partnership between Vellco and Northgate is set to go from strength to strength.
Jonathan Pearce, head of marketing at Northgate Vehicle Hire, commented: ‘Since working with Vellco Ltd, we have recycled a vast amount of tyres. As a leader in our industry we feel it’s extremely important for us to show that we are environmentally responsible and our partnership provides a true reflection of best practice that we hope is recognised by our loyal customers.’