One of the main requirements for products of the tire industry is durability. This feature is desirable in the operation phase, but causes problems during recycling. The tire degradation process takes tens of years, and their storage is associated with a risk of fire and the release of many hazardous substances to the atmosphere. It is therefore necessary to find methods for safe and environmentally sound management of this waste. One method for disposing of worn tires is to use them as alternative fuel. The purpose of this article is to identify ways of managing rubber waste in the countries of the European Union and defining the role and place of energy recovery in the economy of worn tire industry products.