SKOKIE, Ill.– Research released by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) supports findings from previous air emission studies conducted by government agencies and engineering firms that indicate that tire-derived fuel (TDF) use in cement kilns does not adversely affect the emissions profile of various air pollutants.

The report emphasizes the environmental benefits of using scrap tires as supplemental fuel in the cement manufacturing process.

Tyrone Wilson, Ph.D., director of regulatory affairs for PCA, said, “This study shows that tires, which pound for pound have a greater fuel value than coal, can also help manufacturers recycle tires without adversely affecting emissions. The nearly 300 million used tires generated by the United States each year can create an environmental nuisance and eyesore. By simply disposing of these tires in landfills or junkyards, society misses an important recycling opportunity: the chance to recover energy and conserve fossil fuel resources.”

The study, conducted by Air Control Techniques, P.C., is based on emission data collected by PCA from 31 cement plants presently firing TDF. The emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, most metals, dioxin-furans, and sulfur dioxide from kilns firing TDF with conventional fuels were slightly lower than emissions measured from kilns firing only conventional fuels.

The emission levels for carbon monoxide and total hydrocarbons were slightly higher for TDF-firing versus non-TDF firing kilns. None of these differences in emissions were significantly different.