Innovative utilization of end-of-life tyre waste in sustainable automotive components: a focus on the vehicle industry in Harare
- Author
- Matare, Tawedzegwa N.
- Title
- Innovative utilization of end-of-life tyre waste in sustainable automotive components: a focus on the vehicle industry in Harare
- Abstract
- This study explores the innovative and sustainable reuse of end-of-life tyres (ELTs) in Harare, Zimbabwe, where approximately 3.2 million ELTs are generated annually, yet only 12% are recycled primarily through informal, environmentally hazardous methods such as open burning and illegal dumping. The research aimed to develop ELT-derived automotive components tailored to Harare’s socio-industrial context by mapping ELT lifecycle stages and evaluating the performance and environmental implications of pyrolysis as a recycling method. Laboratory findings demonstrated that pyrolysis conducted at 175°C for 3 hours yields rubber composites with favorable mechanical properties tensile strength of approximately 9.63 MPa and Shore A hardness of 71.5 appropriate for non-structural automotive applications, particularly when enhanced with locally available sisal fiber. However, emissions analysis revealed that higher temperatures significantly increase the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), necessitating robust emissions control mechanisms. The study underscores that while pyrolysis holds promise, its environmental sustainability is maximized when integrated with renewable energy sources like solar thermal systems, particularly viable in Zimbabwe’s sun-rich regions. Key recommendations include the establishment of a regulatory framework for ELT recycling, deployment of decentralized solar-powered pyrolysis units, formalization of partnerships between recyclers and automotive manufacturers, certification of informal sector workers, and incentivization of renewable energy integration. These interventions are vital for aligning Zimbabwe’s waste management practices with circular economy principles and broader sustainable development goals.
- Date
- 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Innovative utilization
- End-of-life tyres
- Supervisor
- N/A
- Media
-
Matare - ES.pdf