ReMA asks for input on revisions to tire wire ferrous specifications

WASHINGTON, DC — Following approval by the Ferrous Division on Feb. 11, 2026, the Recycled Materials Association Board of Directors will consider revisions to the ferrous special scrap tire specification.

Current specification: Ferrous — Special (Scrap Tire)

Proposed revisions: Processed tire wire grades would be revised to begin at 1%, increase to 3% and 5%, then rise in 5% increments up to 30%, creating nine total grades. The change reflects higher value and potential new markets for cleaner wire grades. Off-the-road (OTR) would be added as a separate category for pulled bead wire, with the same three grades used for truck and passenger categories. Specifications would be renamed Ferrous — Special (Tire Wire).

The percentage of rubber and fiber in tire wire specifications ultimately will be determined by agreement between buyer and seller.

Processed tire wire (ferrous), chopped, would be graded as follows: Grade 1 at 1% or less rubber/fiber; Grade 2 at 1% to 3%; Grade 3 at 3% to 5%; Grade 4 at 5% to 10%; Grade 5 at 10% to 15%; Grade 6 at 15% to 20%; Grade 7 at 20% to 25%; Grade 8 at 25% to 30%; and Grade 9 at more than 30%.

Pulled bead wire (OTR), not chopped and consisting of loops of wire, would include Grade 1 at less than 5% rubber/fiber, Grade 2 at 5% to 10%, and Grade 3 at more than 10%.

Pulled bead wire (truck), not chopped and consisting of loops of wire, would include Grade 1 at less than 5% rubber/fiber, Grade 2 at 5% to 10%, and Grade 3 at more than 10%.

Pulled bead wire (passenger), not chopped and consisting of loops of wire, would include Grade 1 at less than 5% rubber/fiber, Grade 2 at 5% to 10%, and Grade 3 at more than 10%.

The full board may adopt, amend or reject the Ferrous Division’s recommendations or table them for further review. More information on procedures for adding, amending or withdrawing ReMA’s ISRI Specifications is available at www.isrispecs.org.

For comments, recommendations or questions, contact Chief Economist Emily Sanchez at esanchez@recycledmaterials.org.