Waste balers built by Irish firm LSM can be used to compress not only tyres but a whole raft of different waste materials including cardboard, twine, paper and plastics.

The tractor-mounted units use hydraulic power to exert a force of 35 tonnes, compressing waste material into bales which are then secured with wire bands – the object of the exercise being to reduce transport costs by reducing bulk.

Topping the range is the 3000 model which produces a bale measuring 1m x 1.2m x 80cm weighing up to 500kg that is then ejected from the machine by a hydraulically activated push plate.

There are also two smaller models, which work in exactly the same way although on a smaller scale – the 1600, which produces bales weighing up to 300kg and the 450 for bales weighing 200kg.

Aimed at farmer groups, the price of the 3000 is £9250, the 1600 £7250 and the 450, £5500.