TIRE-DERIVED FUEL (TDF) is a proven fuel alternative to fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. It is an excellent fuel resource, especially when blended with other solid fuels in commercial and industrial boilers. Its most commonly used as a fuel catalyst with wood in biomass power plants, or co-generation plants that produce heat and steam for industrial processes.
Environmental Rubber Recycling ships about 15,000 tons of the TDF to Michigan power plants each year on average, or about 1.33 million passenger tires. It makes for more complete combustion of other fuels, such as scrap wood, which improves efficiency, performance and reduces air emissions.
TDF is typically made up of scrap tire chips about two inches in size. It is not a solid waste and is not regulated like a solid waste by the U.S. EPA or the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). TDF users must obtain a variety of operating, air quality and other permits from EGLE before using TDF in their commercial boiler.