Rengasvastuu

Rengasvastuu refers to the legal and practical responsibility associated with the use and disposal of vehicle tires. In many jurisdictions, this concept encompasses the obligations of tire manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers throughout the tire's lifecycle. The primary focus of rengasvastuu is to ensure that used tires are managed in an environmentally sound manner, preventing their accumulation in landfills or improper disposal, which can lead to pollution and fire hazards.

Key aspects of rengasvastuu include collection, recycling, and recovery. Manufacturers and importers often bear a significant portion of this responsibility, typically through extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. These schemes may require them to finance or directly manage the collection and recycling of end-of-life tires. Retailers also play a role, often by collecting old tires when new ones are sold. Consumers, in turn, have a responsibility to dispose of their used tires appropriately, often by returning them to the point of purchase or designated collection centers.

The recycling and recovery processes for used tires are diverse. Tires can be retreaded for reuse, or they can be processed into various materials. Common recycling methods include shredding tires into smaller pieces for use in applications like playground surfaces, athletic tracks, asphalt modification, or as fuel in industrial processes. The goal is to divert tires from landfills and transform them into valuable resources, thereby promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental impact. The specific regulations and implementation of rengasvastuu vary by country and region.