Circular Economy Based Model for End-of-Life Tire Management in Emerging Economies

End-of-life tires (EOLTs) are challenging waste sources belonging to a solid waste type, called “bulky” in the management of waste. It presents a variety of eco-friendly problems ranging from fire hazards to health and hygiene risks. Nonetheless, most developing countries are having heaps of EOLT loitering on their streets and dumping sites. An evolution to the circular-based economy suggests the opportunity to provide quality and resource-efficient services and improved material recovery along the value chain. The authors conducted a systemic analysis to ascertain the need for sustainable EOLT management for developing countries, based on literature review and observational data. A group of waste management specialists from six developing countries were semi-structurally interviewed to examine the applicability of the established EOLT waste management strategies in the developed states to the developing countries. The analysis indicated that a “new” model is necessary to promote sustainable EOLT management toward the circular economy. The authors proposed an EOLT management system designed to accommodate the specificities of socioeconomic disadvantages of an emerging economy. The model would be beneficial for the government and other stakeholders in the waste management sector.