WASTE TIRES IN SERBIA - SOURCE OF POLLUTION OR RECYCLABLE MATERIAL?

Irregularly disposed waste tires may produce a series of negative environmental impacts and severely endanger wildlife and human health. On the other hand, if treated in the appropriate manner, waste tires can provide a sustainable source of energy and reduce the use of natural resources, hence contributing to environmental protection and conservation. In the Republic of Serbia, waste tires represent a serious environmental issue. In spite of the normative framework and strategic documents, there are still numerous practical obstacles standing in the way towards the sustainable and environmentally acceptable use of all the potentials of this specific waste category. Therefore, the authors of this paper highlight the potentials of waste tires as a recyclable material in the context of environmental pollution prevention and sustainable development, analyse existing legal and strategic framework for the treatment of waste tires in Serbia, provide an insight into current state regarding the issue of waste tires disposal and recycling in Serbia, draw a brief comparison between Serbian and European Union legislation and practice in this area (having in mind the importance of European integrations) and, finally, point out key practical problems regarding this issue in Serbia, offering suggestions for their resolving.