Tyre pyrolysis oil: resource framework
How to meet 'end of waste' status for tyre pyrolysis oil produced from the pyrolysis of waste tyres.
Applies to England
1. The purpose of the resource framework
This resource framework relates to tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) produced from the pyrolysis of waste tyres.
This resource framework is to help you understand when TPO is considered to meet the ‘end of waste’ test and to stop being waste.
This is so you can:
- understand when you no longer need to follow waste management controls for TPO
- be confident that the quality of TPO produced conforms to an approved standard
- be confident that the quality of TPO produced is suitable for use in appropriate markets
- protect human health and prevent pollution of the environment, including soil
2. Waste you can use
To follow this resource framework, you must only use waste which is compliant with the waste codes, descriptions and restrictions in the following table.
‘Use’ refers to the pyrolysis of the material.
| Waste code | Waste description |
|---|---|
| 16 01 03 | End-of-life tyres |
| 19 12 04 | Shredded tyres or tyre crumb only |
3. When TPO is no longer considered waste
TPO will be considered to have met the end of waste test, and so not be considered waste anymore, if you can show all of the following:
- it has been produced only from the pyrolysis of waste materials approved in section 2
- following pyrolysis, the TPO is sent only to a refinery for use as a feedstock in the production of marketable products
- the TPO meets the minimum specification in section 9, plus any further specifications requested by and agreed with the refinery which takes the TPO
- the TPO is sent to a refinery with all appropriate environmental permits to allow its acceptance and intended use in the quantities supplied
- there is certainty of use for the material as a refinery feedstock
If so, you will no longer have to follow waste management controls when you dispatch the products to the refinery from your production site.
TPO stored in intermediate storage (either on or off the site of its production) with no identified end user will be considered waste and subject to waste management controls.
4. Providing evidence that you’ve met the requirements of this resource framework
4.1 Record your incoming waste
4.1.1. Your records need to include:
- the waste code and waste description, in compliance with your environmental permit or exemption
- its volume or weight
- the source of the waste
- the date of delivery
- the name and address of supplier
- the name and address of carrier
- your method for confirming the waste is acceptable input material
- your reasons for rejecting input material
- what you did with rejected waste
4.2 Record your outgoing product
4.2.1 This includes producing and keeping a copy of customer supply documentation and must contain a declaration that the final product meets all of the following:
- the minimum specification defined in section 9 of this resource framework
- all the other requirements of this resource framework
- any additional customer specifications (as agreed between you and the refinery)
4.2.2 You must make all records available for inspection by the Environment Agency, if requested.
4.3 Compliance with refinery permit requirements
4.3.1 You must make sure the TPO is only sent to a refinery with an environmental permit which allows its acceptance and intended use in the quantities supplied.
5. Compliance with legislation outside of waste regulation
5.1 Compliance with this resource framework does not affect your obligation to comply with other relevant legislation where it applies, such as UK REACH (on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals).
5.2. Failing to do this, or to comply with waste management controls when you cannot show compliance with this resource framework, may be an offence.
6. TPO destined for other uses: loss of non-waste status
6.1 TPO that is compliant with this resource framework will become waste again (meaning you must follow waste management controls) if, at any stage:
- you discard it
- you plan to discard it
- it is sent to a refinery which does not have an environmental permit with the appropriate permissions to receive and process it
- it is required to be discarded
- it is stored indefinitely with little prospect of being used
This applies to anyone holding stores of TPO, not just producers. There is guidance on how to check if your material is waste.
7. Importing and exporting
Exporting
7.1 While TPO that complies with this resource framework may no longer be classified as waste in England, the country you want to export the material to may consider it to be waste. You must check with the competent authority. Follow the guidance on waste export and import.
Importing
7.2 While TPO that complies with this resource framework may no longer be classified as waste in England, the country you want to import the material from may consider it to be waste. You must check with the competent authority. Follow the guidance on waste export and import.
7.3 You must make sure you have appropriate proof to show imported TPO meets the requirements of this resource framework. This includes testing documentation. Without this, imported material will be treated as waste in England and subject to waste controls. This applies even if the country of dispatch has a different view.
8. Mixing compliant products with waste and non-waste
8.1 If you mix TPO that is compliant with this resource framework with other waste oils, the whole mixed volume becomes waste and you must follow waste management controls.
8.2 If you mix TPO that is compliant with this resource framework with other non-waste material, the whole mixed volume is not waste. For example, mixing TPO with crude oil is not considered further treatment as neither material is waste. However, it must keep to the requirements in section 5 of this resource framework.
9. Specifications which apply to this resource framework
9.1 Specification for TPO
As producer, you must agree the final specification for the TPO with the receiving refinery. The minimum standard for any final specification must meet the maximum limits and acceptable test methods in the following table.
| Property | Units | Limit | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinematic viscosity at 20°C | mm2 per second | 15 | IP 71 |
| Sulphur content | % mass | 2 | IP 336 |
| Total acid number | mg potassium hydroxide (KOH) per gram | 20 | ASTM D664 |
| Total halogens (as chlorine) | mg per kg | 150 | IP 503 |
| Aluminium | mg per kg | 15 | IP 592 |
| Arsenic | mg per kg | 5 | IP 592 |
| Cadmium | mg per kg | 5 | IP 592 |
| Chromium | mg per kg | 5 | IP 592 |
| Cobalt | mg per kg | 5 | IP 592 |
| Copper | mg per kg | 5 | IP 592 |
| Iron | mg per kg | 50 | IP 610 |
| Lead | mg per kg | 5 | IP 592 |
| Manganese | mg per kg | 15 | IP 592 |
| Mercury | mg per kg | 0.01 | IP 594 |
| Nickel | mg per kg | 5 | IP 592 |
| Phosphorus | mg per kg | 10 | IP 610 |
| Titanium | mg per kg | 10 | IP 592 |
| Vanadium | mg per kg | 15 | IP 592 |
| Zinc | mg per kg | 15 | IP 592 |
9.2 Analysis requirements
To prove compliance with the maximum limits in section 9.1 of this resource framework, you must carry out representative analysis of TPO before dispatch from the tyre pyrolysis plant.
10. Updates to this resource framework
The Environment Agency will review this resource framework in April 2029, with support from industry. The Environment Agency may update or withdraw this resource framework before this date because of:
- pollution incidents
- the resource framework being used incorrectly
- developments in scientific understanding
- a change in the market
- a change in legislation or case law
- a change to the agreed industry standard or input materials
You can subscribe to email updates about this resource framework. These will tell you if it has changed and when it has been withdrawn. Use the ‘Get emails about this page’ link on this page.
11. If you have questions about this resource framework
General enquiries
National Customer Contact Centre
PO Box 544
Rotherham
S60 1BY
Email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone 03708 506 506
Telephone from outside the UK (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm GMT) +44 (0) 114 282 5312
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.