Tire-Derived Fuel

What is Tire-Derived Fuel?

Tire-derived fuel (TDF) is made of shredded end-of-life tires and is mixed with other energy sources in industrial settings. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognizes TDF as a viable alternative to fossil fuels and prefers using tires as energy as opposed to disposing them in landfills. Tire-derived fuel is usually customized by tire size and wire content to meet a customer’s fuel specifications. TDF is often selected as a supplemental energy source because it emits lower carbon emissions than coal, natural gas and petroleum coke, and is more cost-effective with its high BTU value.

An Economical, Cleaner Alternative to Fossil Fuels

Tire-derived fuel is ideal for cement kilns, pulp and paper mills, steel mills, power plants, industrial boilers and pyrolysis plants due to its high heat value, beneficial use of scrap tires and lower carbon emissions than fossil fuels.

For instance, the EPA has found that tire-derived fuel offers a higher BTU value than coal, and only one ton of TDF is needed to replace one and one-half tons of coal. Plus, using tires as fuel produces lower nitrogen oxide emissions, which is important for organizations searching for opportunities to lower their greenhouse gas output

Because tires can be shredded into various sizes, Liberty Tire Recycling can easily create traditional sizes that mirror the size of coal and work in existing delivery systems and boilers. To meet specific needs, our TDF can be tested for size, combustion value and BTU value through lab testing

Our TDF offers manufacturers and power generators:

• Improved greenhouse gas emissions in most situations
• A predictable thermal profile and high BTU value
• Near-zero bottom ash production
• No leachate from storage
• A mercury-free fuel
• Customizable options based on fuel specifications, from whole tires to mesh sizes
• A more sustainable option since it is made from 100% recycled tires
• Cost-savings