Collection and Recovery
How the collection works
Ecopneus coordinates a network of partners active throughout the Italian territory.
It is a system that connects tyre dealers, collectors, and treatment plants by the means of a dedicated digital platform and constant checks.
This process is designed to offer efficiency and full regulatory compliance to both the Partners of Ecopneus and the spare part operators, transforming every collection request into an activity that is traced from its beginning until tyres are delivered to the treatment plants.
1. The starting point: tyre dealers, workshops, service stations
When a driver replaces their tyres, ELTs are kept at the tyre dealer’s or the workshop where tyres were changed. As per the regulations in force, operators are to keep ELTs separated while waiting for them to be collected from the part of an authorised body
2. Joining the system
The spare part operators can register on the ISMART platform for free. This allows them to profit from the collection services coordinated by Ecopneus. Registration is on a voluntary bases, it is free and without any contractual constraints.
3. Collection request
The operator enters the collection request on ISMART indicating the amount of ELTs to be collected. The system records the requests and enters it into an operative waiting list in chronological order, without any territorial or brand preferences.
4. ELT collection from generation points
ELT collection is carried out by qualified collectors selected by the means of e-tenders. Upon collection, the ELT producer and/or collector produces the Identification Form (IF) according to the provisions of the National Electronic Register for Waste Traceability (in Italian: RENTRI). This document certifies that ELTs have been taken charge of and assures flow traceability.
5. Heading towards shredding plants
The collected ELTs are taken to the Collection Centres, where the material is checked and will be subsequently taken to the Shredding Centres.
The shredding process
ELT transfer to the plants
In the Shredding Centres, ELTs undergo preliminary checks to verify their compliance with all authorizations and operative procedures.
Removal of the steel ring
The first technical step is the mechanical removal of the steel retaining ring that ensures adhesion to the rim. The steel is separated and sent to steel mills for recycling.
Room temperature mechanical shredding
Tyres are subsequently mechanically shredded at room temperature. This preserves the original characteristics of rubber and it elastic and resistance properties.
Separation of the components
During the shredding phase, specific systems separate the materials. Magnetic separation removes all steel, whilst mechanical and vacuum systems separate textile fibres from rubber. At the end, rubber, steel and textile fibres are separated and ready for the subsequent phases of their reuse.
Storage
After being removed from vehicles, ELTs are taken to centres where they are weighted, controlled and stored for being then taken to the plants for treatment.
First Shredding
ELTs are cut into shreds sized between 5 and 40cm. They may be then sent for energy recovery or further shredded to allow the separation of materials
Second shredding
The shred is cut into smaller pieces until it is possible to separate rubber from steel and textile fibres. The rubber is treated to obtain granules and powders destinated to be transformed into new products.
Recovery of Materials
The treatment process output is material of various types and dimensions according to the typology of use they are destined to:
- Rubber chips (20-50 mm)
- Rubber granules (0.8-20 mm)
- Rubber powder (< 0.8 mm)
- Textiles
- Steel
The obtained materials
Rubber
Granules (0.8–18 mm)
The most versatile material. It is used in material recovery. It is ideal for sports surfaces, products for the building sector and industry and many other applications.
Powder (0–0.8 mm)
The finest material. It is used in rubberized asphalts and in mixes to produce new products.
Chips (up to 35 mm)
Mid-sized chips used both for energy recovery and technical applications .
Shreds (up to 350 mm)
Pieces of End-of-Life Tyres shredded between 35 and 350 mm. They are used as alternative fuel in several industrial applications.
Other materials
Steel
Metal is recycled in steel mills and foundries replacing virgin raw materials.
Textile Fibres
The textile fibres used to reinforce tyre casings are separated and mainly reused as fuel in cement factories.
The Ecopneus System
Free
No costs for the operators of the spare part market. The system is financed with the eco-fees paid by the consumers upon purchasing new tyres – as per the national Italian regulations.
Comprehensive
The service is assured in all Italian provinces, there included all smaller islands, all year.
Traced
Every ELT is traced and monitored from its collection to its final recovery.
Compliant
Full compliance with all rules and regulations. Clear reporting to the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Recovery.