Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF - whole or shredded scrap tires) is being utilized as an alternative fuel by cement kilns, pulp and paper mills, electric utilities and dedicated tire-to-energy facilities. TDF typically contains 14,000 to 16,000 British thermal units (Btu) per pound, which is a higher heat energy by weight than most types of coal. TDF is also lower in moisture content, has significantly more combustible matter and less fixed carbon as compared to most types of coal.

 
Tire Derived Fuel applications save existing natural resources like coal and oil by reutilizing the fuel values already found in scrap tires. Currently in the United States, TDF is the most widely utilized recycling application for scrap tires. It is estimated that over half of the 300 million tires generated each year in the United States are recycled as TDF.