Can The Real National Flower Please Stand Up?

With the South African government's introduction of regulations for the control of plastic shopping bags the plastic bag has lost its claim to be one of South Africa's 'national flowers'. Its place has now most certainly been taken over by millions of used tyres strewn across open areas by irresponsible tyre dealers.

The problem with tyres is that where they are dumped and left they are almost indestructible, unless burnt.

In many cases tyres are burnt for the recovery of scrap metal. Not only does burnt tyres release dangerous toxins into the atmosphere, but causes vision problems for aviation as is the case sometimes around Cape Town International airport.

One of the other dangers about dumped used tyres is that these tyres sometimes end up being sold and used again as is on vehicles.

Because of their ability to retain water, dumped tyres can also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Only about over 10% of used tyres get recycled in South Africa. The South African Tyre Recycling Process Company (SATRP Co) was set up for the management of the collection of used tyres. They are not responsible for recycling.

The initial setup of tyre recycling plants are expensive.

Materials recovered from recycled tyres used for the manufacturing of flooring(mats, tiles), dustbins, and other rubber products. They can also be used as fuels in cement kilns and manufacturing plants.

Hopefully a successful solution can be implemented by government regulations for the control of used tyres and along the road on my way to the beach I will not see any of these unofficial national flowers.

And then the real national flowers will flourish...

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