Ecoelastika enters collaboration agreements with tires and cars importers. Each contracting importer is liable to reimburse Ecoelastika per piece of tire sold on the Greek market, according to the tire category, a sum determined by the System. Subsequently, Ecoelastika pays the corresponding agreed fees to the companies in charge of the collection, transport, and final utilisation of end-of-life tires (ELTs). The initial environmental fee also covers the administrative cost of the company’s operation, as well as the 2% contributory fees on the previous year’s turnover, attributed to HRA (Hellenic Recycling Agency).
Specifically, regarding the final utilisation of ELTs, Ecoelastika pays the facilities that receive them, whether they are ultimately used for recycling or for energy recovery. In particular, in the case of recycling, Ecoelastika subsidises the companies for the sale of their final products or by-products, depending on the nature of final use of these materials. Also, a special fee is paid by Ecoelastika for the use of ELTs as an energy source in the cement industry. The aforementioned costs are due to the “negative” value of waste tires; Ecoelastika is required to subsidise the industry utilising them, for the services of correct environmental management they provide to the system. This practice is used in all European countries, where the principle of extended producer responsibility applies, and where operate companies similar to Ecoelastika.
