Holcim Phils helps in proper disposal of used tires

The local government of Quezon City and Holcim Philippines, Inc. (formerly Union Cement) forged recently an agreement to promote the proper disposal of used tires

With an estimated 200,000 tons of used tires generated in the country every year, the move was deemed urgent to help reduce mounting environmental problems and health risks due to improper disposal of tires. Used tires can only be recapped up to three times before motorists discard them

Currently, there is no system in place to ensure proper disposal of tires save for a few enterprising junk shop operators who turn them into rubber plant pots for sale

Eventually, however, virtually all discarded tires find their way to the dump sites, especially in Payatas, where they commonly become breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes

The Department of Health noted that tire stockpiles increase public health risk of infestation with mosquito-carrying-dengue. Mosquitoes primarily breed in stagnant water that collects inside the tires

Another major threat to public health and the environment is tire fires. Huge, thick clouds of black smoke and oily residue from burning tires can cause air contamination and even severe breathing discomfort to some

Under the agreement, the local government of Quezon City will be responsible for sorting, separating and cleaning of the used tires from the dumpsite and delivering them to Holcim Philippines. Using an environment-friendly process, Holcim Philippines will then use the tires as alternative sources of energy

Retired Gen Hadji Jameel Jaymalin, head of the Payatas operations group, noted that this creative use of waste can help contribute towards ensuring sustainable development in the country

"Our landfill," says Jaymalin. He also praised Holcim Philippines for making this noble effort of finding new ways to solve the problem