Tire Replacement and Recycling: The Importance of the Circular Economy Act

Tires are one of the most commonly replaced parts of material handling equipment. Due to wear and tear over time, and damage from usage, tires must be frequently replaced. For lift trucks, the tires play an essential role in absorbing the load of the truck, and they assist in dampening the ride when driven over dock plates, uneven ground, and outdoor applications. When tires wear down, operators may experience discomfort and even back injuries, which could eventually lead to downtime.

Safety and Proper Functioning - Calculating Intensity

To ensure the safety of operators and the proper functioning of equipment, it is crucial to conduct regular tire inspections. Camso has developed an intensity calculator that guides you and helps you choose the best tire for your application, depending on each material handling need. Pre-shift checklists are vital to ensuring the safe operation of equipment. A few things that operators should inspect relating to tires include the amount of rubber compound left on the tire, debonding, cracks, and damage. The technician can inspect and measure the amount of rubber compound left on tires. Debonding occurs when the rubber separates from the metal ring to which it is adhered. This can cause the tire to roll off the ring. Cracks can occur over time due to normal operating conditions, but large cracks can cause the tire to split and separate. Damage can occur from hitting uneven floors or the sides of dock-level plates, causing large splits in tires.

Recycling

Recycling tires is essential, and Liftow is committed to being environmentally conscious. Liftow recycles paper, plastic, used oil, and sends thousands of tires for recycling annually. Ontario has a Circular Economy Act that mandates waste oil and tires to be recycled. This mandate is now handled by the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA), which has signed with a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). Liftow is currently signed with YESS Solutions Environmental, and its secondary partner is ETRACKS. All Liftow branches are collectors and are responsible for collecting old tires, wrapping them if necessary, and contacting the PRO for pickup.

In a circular economy, waste is minimized, and resources are used efficiently. The Circular Economy Act promotes a more sustainable approach to the management of waste materials by minimizing waste and maximizing recycling. By mandating the recycling of waste tires, the Circular Economy Act helps to ensure that these tires are not disposed of in landfills, which can harm the environment. Instead, tires can be recycled, and the materials can be reused in new products. This reduces the need for new resources.

To summarize, operators must conduct regular inspections of tires to ensure that equipment is operating safely and effectively. Tire replacement and recycling are essential components of a circular economy. Liftow is committed to taking conscious action every day to minimize waste and promote a more sustainable approach to waste management. By adhering to the principles of the Circular Economy we are taking a crucial step toward a more sustainable future.