Nigerian company Freee Recycle is contributing to landfill reduction by repurposing old tires into various products, available nationwide. According to a report from the Tire Industry Project, one billion end-of-life tires are generated globally each year, with approximately four billion currently residing in landfills and stockpiles worldwide. In Nigeria, Freee Recycle is addressing this waste challenge through innovative recycling methods.
Since its establishment in 2018, Freee Recycle has successfully transformed over 400,000 tires into diverse goods, including paving bricks, floor tiles, and flip flops. Managing Director Ifedolapo Runsewe emphasizes the prevalence of waste on Nigeria’s streets, highlighting the ubiquitous presence of discarded tires in inappropriate locations such as drainages and street corners.
Here is what you should expect from us between now and the second quarter of 2024. However, this goal extends beyond; what we have here is just the tip of the iceberg.”#freeerecycle #2024 #goals #Sustainability pic.twitter.com/xfqu52YrFK
— Freee Recycle Limited (@Freee_Recycle) January 10, 2024
The recycling process involves grinding the tires into small pieces, which are then mixed with an adhesive, allowing workers to mold the waste into a variety of products. Runsewe underscores the versatility of tires as a material, comprising rubber, valuable steel, and fiber with distinct uses and applications.
Notably, Freee Recycle’s rubber paving stones, priced at approximately $60 for a set of 40, are a popular product. The slightly higher cost is attributed to the extended shelf life of Freee products compared to traditional counterparts. These environmentally friendly products are available in major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
Working toward the #UN #SDGs, we report on the environmental performance of our members’ #tire manufacturing operations, including analysis of their energy and water consumption and carbon emissions.
Read all about it .https://t.co/k5vwi52bwA#SustainabilityDriven pic.twitter.com/jt1iUpAoqR
— Tire Industry Project (@wbcsd_tip) September 26, 2023
While acknowledging the positive impact of Freee Recycle, Bolanle Emmanuel, Oyo State Coordinator of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, highlights challenges in transporting raw materials to production sites. To address this, Emmanuel suggests replicating recycling centers in various communities to crush tires into manageable sizes for easy transportation.
Freee Recycle claims to have prevented over 8,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions since its inception. Eid Zouki, a construction engineer who commissioned Freee Recycle for a school flooring solution, commends the company for environmentally conscious practices. Zouki envisions a global shift towards sustainability and recycling, anticipating that the trend will gain traction in Africa and contribute to a more environmentally aware society worldwide.
