EDITORIAL - Tyre situation must be fixed
This week’s fire at the Mangrove Pond Landfill has brought front and centre in our minds, once again, the need to deal head-on with the way in which we dispose of all types of waste in Barbados, but especially tyres.
This has been the second time in two years that fire has occurred at the landfill in the tyre section, and the seventh such fire to have occurred over the last 15 years. Now Government has been hypothesising about how to deal with the growing number of old tyres, as it is said that some 8 000 find their way to the dump each month. So it is clear that what is needed now is not more talk, but concrete action to address the situation once and for all.
This week, Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Trevor Prescod, indicated the possibility of using the thousands of tyres at the landfill to generate energy, particularly by way of a cement kiln. He also spoke about the likelihood of acquiring a shredder. In respect of the waste to energy idea, this is not new and has been utilised by several cement plants across the world, and if employed here could help reduce the cement industry’s emissions of greenhouse gases. Certainly, this would be of benefit to Barbados as we seek to become 100 per cent fossil fuel free by 2030.
However, we may have a snag here in Barbados as far as tyre derived fuel (TDF) is concerned, as it is understood that though there are thousands of old tyres, they still may not be enough to sustain energy production for a full year. The idea of importing tyres to meet the demand should we go that route has been suggested, but this may not be required as tyres can be added to the fuel mix as opposed to replacing fossil fuels entirely. Should we have to import additional tyres to support that initiative, we would have to weigh of the cost of the fuel against that of the tyres and determine if importing tyres for that purpose would indeed be economically feasible.
Certainly there are benefits to be derived from the use of TDF or even tyre shredding. First by diverting tyres from the landfill, it frees up much needed space for other waste, eliminates tyre build up in the dump and reduces the possibility of fire which can contaminate the air, soil and even water supply as well as put the respiratory health of those in the vicinity at great risk. Eliminating the tyres also reduces risks posed by the tyres which can be a haven for mosquitoes and rats.
Also, should we look at purchasing a tyre shredder, the resulting rubber crumbs can be incorporated into either asphalt or concrete mixtures and used to create stronger, more durable roads. We all know the challenges we have been experiencing with poor and continually deteriorating road conditions, and if tyres can be used to improve the situation, then it is something that should be seriously considered.
Apart from road construction, it should also be noted that old tyres can also be used as mulch. Mulching is important for controlling weeds, preventing soil erosion and more importantly, helping moisture retention especially in these drought conditions. Admittedly, rubberised mulch may not be suitable for agricultural production because of the chemicals used in the tyres, but they can perhaps still be used in our landscaping efforts as we seek to beautify the island. Revenue generating opportunities also exist for those who are skilful enough to turn the old tyres into things like outdoor seating.
What is clear is that as a country we must find ways, sooner rather than later, to deal with the mounting tyre problem at the dump, as the current situation is untenable.