Tire manufacturers and importers in Brazil have been failing to fulfill their obligation to ensure the proper disposal of used and waste tires since 2002, according to a study by engineer Carlos Lagarinhos from the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo. "This represents 2.1 million tons of tires that are often piled up in open areas and become the breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit diseases," Lagarinhos told Tierramérica.

Brazilian legislation establishes rules for the so-called reverse logistics of the tire industry, but the high cost of collection and transportation means they are often not fulfilled.

Since 2002, the rate of compliance with the regulations has been 97 percent for importers of new tires, 47 percent for manufacturers, and only 12.9 percent for used tire importers.

The study also found that 36 percent of consumers keep used tires after replacing them. "It is important to raise greater awareness among consumers in order to change the situation," said Lagarinhos.