Ukraine targets rubber from decommissioned military vehicles

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence is constructing a recycling facility to recover rubber from military vehicles. The recycled material will benefit the armed forces’ repair units.

Military warehouses in the war-torn country contain over 6 000 tonnes of used tyres ready for disposal. The cost of disposal can be up to EUR 9 per tonne. The Defence Ministry is setting up its own recycling line to curb costs while reviving useful material.

Reduce costs

Recycling equipment is being installed at an unnamed military base. The facility will be capable of processing 1 000 tonnes of secondary raw materials a year, generating finished products worth EUR 312 000. It is 80% complete and the recycling line is projected to reach full capacity this month.

‘This new recycling plant will help reduce costs and supply the armed forces’ repair units with domestically produced items such as rubber mats,’ says Oleh Koval, head of the Defence Ministry’s military surplus disposal department.

‘If military needs are fully met, production could also be extended to Ukrainian road construction and civil engineering companies.’