In Nigeria, a growing environmental concern revolves around the accumulation of discarded tires. With over a billion tires discarded globally each year, recycling these rubber giants has become a billion-dollar problem. But amidst this challenge, some innovative individuals are making a significant impact. Meet Ifedolapo Runsewe, the founder of Freee Recycle, one of Nigeria's first tire-recycling businesses.
The Birth of Freee Recycle
Ifedolapo Runsewe kick-started Freee Recycle back in 2018, driven by her passion for environmental sustainability. Today, her company recycles hundreds of tires daily, but it's just a small fraction of the massive problem at hand. Globally, humans discard around a billion tires annually, making tire recycling a complex and expensive endeavor. In many countries, old tires pile up in landfills, posing not only an environmental hazard but also a public health risk, such as malaria outbreaks due to stagnant water in tire graveyards.
The Challenge of Recycling Tires
So, why is recycling tires such a challenging task? The answer lies in the tire's composition and history. Tires are engineered to be durable, with a complex blend of natural and synthetic rubber, metal reinforcements, and plastic fibers. This durability is essential for withstanding extreme temperatures and providing safety on the road. However, it also makes them tough to recycle.
The Recycling Process
Freee Recycle has developed an efficient tire recycling process that begins with removing steel wires embedded in the rubber. They use specialized equipment called debeaders, which can remove these wires in a matter of seconds. The tires then pass through a chopper, where they are cut into smaller pieces, making them more manageable. The company can process about 150 car tires per hour.
The History of Rubber
To understand the complexity of tire recycling, it's essential to delve into the history of rubber. In the 1800s, Charles Goodyear discovered vulcanization, a process that made rubber stronger and resistant to extreme temperatures. This innovation revolutionized the tire industry, leading to the rapid growth of rubber production in the early 20th century.
Waste Tires and Environmental Hazards
However, despite their durability, tires don't last forever. Over time, old rubber tires pile up, posing environmental threats. They can leach toxins in landfills and even trap dangerous gases like methane, causing them to float to the surface. Furthermore, tires are highly flammable, as seen in incidents like the 1987 tire fire in Colorado, which took nearly a week to extinguish.
Tire Recycling Worldwide
In developed countries like the United States, Europe, and Japan, tire recycling has become a well-established industry. Most discarded tires get recycled or burned for energy production. However, in developing countries like Nigeria, tire waste remains a growing concern. Nigeria ranks among the bottom 10% globally for recycling and sustainability, making initiatives like Freee Recycle all the more crucial.
Turning Tires into Eco-Friendly Products
Freee Recycle's main products are paving stones made from recycled rubber, which are used in playgrounds and driveways. These rubber bricks provide a soft and bouncy surface for children to play on while also being environmentally friendly. The company has invested in finding the right mix and formulation that works well in Nigeria's tropical climate.
The Path Forward
While tire recycling remains a challenge, Freee Recycle is determined to change the narrative. They aim to eliminate Nigeria's tire dumps and expand their operations to other African countries like Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Kenya. Ifedolapo Runsewe's vision is to tackle various types of waste, from paper waste to electronic waste, following their tagline, "waste to wealth."
In conclusion, recycling tires is not only an environmental necessity but also a viable business opportunity. Through innovative solutions and determined individuals like Ifedolapo Runsewe, we can turn discarded tires into valuable resources, making the world a cleaner and safer place.
FAQs
Q. What is the environmental impact of discarded tires in landfills?
A. Discarded tires in landfills can leach toxins into the soil and trap dangerous gases like methane, posing environmental hazards.
Q. How does Freee Recycle turn tires into eco-friendly products?
A. Freee Recycle processes tires to create rubber bricks used in playgrounds and driveways, providing a soft and environmentally friendly surface.
Q. Why is tire recycling challenging?
A. Tire recycling is challenging due to the complex composition of tires, which include natural and synthetic rubber, metal reinforcements, and plastic fibers.
Q. What is the history of rubber and its connection to tires?
A. Rubber's discovery by Charles Goodyear in the 1800s led to vulcanization, a process that made rubber suitable for tires, revolutionizing the tire industry.
Q. What are Freee Recycle's future plans?
A. Freee Recycle aims to expand its operations to other African countries and tackle various types of waste, adhering to its "waste to wealth" philosophy.
0 Comments