A Multi-criteria Evaluation of the Methods for Recycling Scrap Tires

Worn out tires create numerous problems in the field of solid waste management. The tires are very bulky and take up a lot of premium space in the landfills. Insects and rodents like to use them as homes where they can spread diseases and if the tires catch fire they will emit toxic gasses. There are several methods of disposing of these tires, but no universal method which is considered the best for all situations. This study looks at each method of tire disposal on the basis of cost/benefit analysis, environmental impact, and feasibility. It will be beneficial to all if the best methods were known, and some methods were eliminated to reduce confusion. Four different methods of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis were performed to determine the optimal solution through a weighted scoring system which accounts for criteria in cost/benefit analysis, environmental impact, and energy production. The study found that retreading tires for reuse was the best option. However, since that is not always a practical or long-term solution the study found that either using the scrap tires to create crumb rubber or for the purpose of civil engineering applications would be the optimal solutions.