Scrap rubber is a substance under REACH legislation

ERJ staff report (DS)

London -- UK-based DEFRA, the ministry for the environment, has clarified the UK position on waste products with respect to REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals).

DEFRA said "REACH applies to recovered waste once it ceases to be waste." This applies to scrapped rubber, tyre buffings, granulated waste from tyres, hose and other goods, once they re-enter the raw materials stream. As such, all recycled goods which are no longer classified as waste, have to pre-registered under the REACH scheme, if they are to continue in use after 1 January 2009.

DEFRA adds, "Recovery businesses are considered to be manufacturers under REACH, so may have registration obligations, unless certain exemptions apply;"

No-one was available at the ECHA headquarters to comment on whether scrap rubber is eligible for pre-registration.

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Press release from DEFRA