Crumb rubber is recycled rubber from scrap old tyres. During the recycling process, the old tyres ’ inherent reinforcing materials, such as steel and fibre, are removed along with any other type of inert contaminants like dust, glass or rock.

The end result of recycling is uniform granules, a valuable product that is used in applications ranging from astroturf to rubberised asphalt for paving and tarring roads, floor mats, carpet padding, vehicle mudguards and a wide range of other moulded products.

“Our support ranges from business plan development to assisting with Environmental Impact Assessments, and what we offer all recycling companies who are registered with REDISA is regular delivery of waste old tyre feedstock…”

Good green news for South Africa is that the REDISA (Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa) Plan has been approved by the Department of Environmental Affairs to clean the country of tyre waste through the creation of a new tyre recycling industry.

As part of the plan, REDISA works with transporters, depots and processors. REDISA is not a recycler, but supports companies, both large and small, who recycle and process waste old tyres into saleable products.

“The R310 per ton grant is used to improve infrastructure at the factories so that output can be increased – thereby further assisting in the sustainability and growth of each business,”

“Our support ranges from business plan development to assisting with Environmental Impact Assessments, and what we offer all recycling companies who are registered with REDISA is regular delivery of waste tyre feedstock,” said Stacey Davidson, director at REDISA. Currently REDISA works with about 12 recyclers. As the REDISA Plan continues to roll out over the next five years, more recyclers and processors will be supported nationally.

In addition, REDISA is currently paying recyclers and processors an infrastructure development grant (based on the tonnage of old tyres delivered). “The R310 per ton grant is used to improve infrastructure at the factories so that output can be increased – thereby further assisting in the sustainability and growth of each business,” commented Davidson.

REDISA is constantly looking to resolve issues that the public might have regarding stockpiled tyres, and encourages all members of the public who are aware of old tyre stockpiles to contact REDISA at info@redisa.org.za.