Abstract
This study evaluates the viability of pyrolysis technology as a treatment process for waste tyres with the aim of producing alternative fuel and other high value products. A financial model was formulated to evaluate the economic feasibility of this technology as an alternative disposal method. It was discovered that pyrolysis technology becomes more viable when there is guaranteed product off-takes at a given price. Further processing of the crude tyre oil and carbon black is important for production of consistent quality products. Gauteng province alone will require a capital injection of US $59.8 million to setup 14 waste tyres pyrolysis treatment facilities to treat 134,922 tons per annum of waste tyres with a potential investment return and gross margin of 29.79% and 34.59%, respectively. These facilities can produce up to 46.8 million litres per annum of refined tyre derived fuel at cost of $ 0.516/litre and other secondary value add products for local and export markets.