Reuse of scrap tire promoted by the government.

The total amount of scrap tires in China already reached more than 112 million pieces in 2004 and will be over 200 million pieces in 2010. China has been the biggest rubber consumer in the world for 3 consecutive years. The consumption of rubber in China was 4.35 million tons in 2004, accounting for 22% of the world total. Rubber resources in China however have a serious shortage. The import amount of rubber was 2.375 million tons in 2004. In other words, more than 50% of the domestic demand has to be satisfied by imports. Around 70% of rubber is used in the tire production in China.

The National Development and Reform Commission is trying its best to promote the recovery and reuse of scrap tires. It has drafted the "Regulations on the Management of the Recovery and Reuse of Scrap Tires" in collaboration with the Environment and Resources Committee of the National People's Congress. It is the first law in China specifically on the recovery and reuse of scrap tires. The National Development and Reform Commission is making research on technical and economic policies and favorable tax methods related to the law. National bond funds will likely be used to promote technical progress in the recovery and reuse of scrap tires. 3 projects for the recovery and reuse of scrap tires and 1 demonstrative project of the state have already been launched.