Kumijätettä

Kumijätettä refers to waste materials derived from rubber. This category encompasses a wide range of items, including worn-out tires from vehicles, discarded rubber footwear, industrial rubber components, and various other rubber-based products that have reached the end of their useful life. The disposal and management of kumijätettä present environmental challenges due to the slow decomposition rate of rubber and the potential presence of hazardous substances.

Globally, the volume of kumijätettä is substantial, with millions of tires being discarded annually. Improper disposal, such as landfilling or uncontrolled burning, can lead to soil and air pollution. Landfills occupied by rubber waste can be problematic, as tires can trap water, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and their buoyancy can disrupt landfill stability. Burning rubber releases toxic fumes, including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, which are detrimental to air quality and human health.

Various methods are employed for the management of kumijätettä. Recycling is a primary strategy, involving the processing of waste rubber into reusable materials. This can include shredding tires to create rubber crumb, which is then used in applications like playground surfaces, athletic tracks, road construction, and as an additive in new rubber products. Another approach is pyrolysis, a thermal decomposition process that breaks down rubber in the absence of oxygen, yielding valuable byproducts such as oil, gas, and carbon black. Energy recovery through incineration in specialized facilities is also practiced, where the calorific value of rubber is utilized to generate heat or electricity, provided emissions are carefully controlled. Effective kumijätettä management aims to minimize environmental impact and maximize resource recovery.