TPMS sensors and batteries

Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). These systems continuously monitor tire pressure and make a significant contribution to road safety. However, the increasing prevalence of TPMS is creating new requirements for the disposal of used tires, as TPMS sensors contain electronic components with permanently installed batteries.

Normally, the TPMS sensor remains on the wheel after tire removal. In the rare cases where sensors are still inside the used tire or in the used tire container, special care is required. TPMS sensors typically contain lithium batteries that can be damaged by mechanical stress, shredding, or thermal treatment. If these batteries unintentionally enter the disposal chain, there is an increased risk of fires, explosions, or malfunctions in recycling and recovery facilities. Such incidents can have particularly serious consequences in shredding and granulation plants, as well as in the energy recovery processes involving used tires.

For certified used tire disposal companies, handling TPMS sensors means increased technical and organizational effort. Tires containing sensors or batteries must be identified, separated, and treated separately. Delivering such tires can lead to delays in the disposal process, additional costs, or even rejection of the tire acceptance.

Additional challenges arise with so-called sealed or silent tires. These contain sealants or sound-absorbing materials that already complicate material and energy recycling. If TPMS sensors or batteries also enter the disposal chain in such cases, the technical effort increases significantly.

ZARE therefore appeals to automotive workshops, tire retailers, and car dealerships to fulfill their responsibilities. TPMS sensors and batteries must be consistently removed before the used tires are handed over, collected separately, and disposed of in accordance with the applicable regulations for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries. Tires may only be disposed of without any batteries inside.

Proper handling of TPMS sensors and batteries is an essential component of a safe and functioning circular economy for used tires. The ZARE initiative, together with its partners, is committed to establishing clear standards, minimizing risks, and ensuring safe and sustainable used tire disposal, even under changing technical conditions.