Recycling Tires

Tire Recycling can be a big issue

Over 2.5 billion tires are produced each year, and some studies estimate that as many as 300 million tires are discarded per year in the U.S. alone. Tires are tough and they’re durable, which is good. But they’re also non-biodegradable, so if they’re not disposed of in a thoughtful manner, they tend to cause havoc with the environment as they fill up landfill space, release harmful gases and create breeding grounds for mosquitos, snakes and vermin. It should also be mentioned that burning tires can cause serious pollution, producing thick black smoke that can in turn contaminate soil and water. A current count shows that 38 states have banned whole tires from landfills, 35 states allow shredded tires in landfills, 11 states ban all tires, and 8 states have no restrictions. Yet.

The benefits of tire recycling

Properly recycled tires offer benefits. They can be turned into useful products like rubberized asphalt, playground turf, railroad ties and flooring. They can be used as fuel in the cement industry, or ground into rubber crumb and used as a reinforcing agent in paving projects, carpet padding or the rubber mats found in schoolyards. Recycled tires can be used as construction materials, filled with dirt and covered in concrete, or shredded and used as backfill for retaining walls or in bridge abutments. They can be bound together and used as barriers to help reduce collisions and create sound barriers. Old tires can be used to control erosion and provide protection from the impact of waves. They can be used in some apparel products, like sandals. Steel mills can replace coal in the manufacturing process by using scrap tires as an alternative to fossil fuels (tire-derived fuel produces 25% more energy than coal).

How to recycle your tires

There are several ways to recycle your old tires once you’ve determined they’re beyond repair.

• Since there are very few if any free ways to recycle tires, you might want to think first about a creative DIY project. Consider garden planters, swings, outdoor furniture, dog beds and landscaping.
• Specialized recycling organizations will recycle your tires for you, probably for a fee. Some will even pick them up. If you’re not sure where they are in your area, try searching “tire recycling near me” on the internet.
• Even though you didn’t buy them at your local auto tire establishment, friendly proprietors may be willing to take your old tires for a fee since it’s likely they regularly hand their own used tires off to an EPA-certified recycler.
• Check with a local junk removal business to see if they are set up for tire recycling.
• Keep an eye out for a tire collection program sponsored by your local government.
• If you can’t find anywhere locally to recycle your tires, you can check the internet. Recycler’s World and their “Scrap Tire Disposal and Recycling” category could offer a solution for you.

We here at Treadworld encourage you always recycle your tires, for Earth Day and every day. We have all the specialty application tires you need for every situation. You can count on Rubbermaster tires and Master Tires to provide you with the best in dependable long-lasting top performance. Don’t hesitate to contact our tire experts via live chat or email with any questions you may have, and to get the ideal tires for you.