The potential for energy recovery from end-of-life tire recycling in Cameroon: A system dynamics approach

Abstract

With rapid population growth, increased industrialization, and massive waste generation, environmental degradation and energy emergencies have become critical worldwide. Due to frequent power cuts and the rationing of electricity, energy expenses have increased in Cameroon’s industries with the use of diesel generators. End-of-life tire (ELT) recycling for the recovery of energy has been adopted by many countries as an alternative source of renewable energy. This study therefore estimates the amount of energy recovered from non-metallic components of ELTs using the system dynamics model. Scenario analysis (case 1 and 2) was conducted for model verification and validation. Case 1 is based on estimating the amounts of energy recovered given different average vehicle lifespan scenarios (1 and 2) considering the increasing and decreasing average vehicle lifespans of 21 and 19, respectively. scenarios 1 and 2 revealed that changes in the average vehicle lifespan will change the amount of energy recovered from recycling ELTs. Case 2 is based on estimating the amounts of energy recovered, given different policy scenarios (3 and 4). Policy scenarios revealed no changes on energy recovered. ELTs recycling in Cameroon will therefore provide a feasible source of energy and also reduce the environmental pollution and degradation.