Introduction
The subject of recycling waste components is of major interest all over the world. The tire industry does not ignore the importance of waste management, especially considering that the amount of scrap tires reaches over 290 million annually, according to USTMA data. In this context, today's article focuses on the importance of knowing what a US driver can do with used tires to minimize the used tires' environmental impact.
In fact, tire recycling is a segment of a broader e-recycling movement. The latter undertakes to educate and empower the consumer to reuse various types of waste, including plastic, electronic, or any other material that only harms the environment. Long story short, let's focus on the tire industry to learn what to do with old tires.
1. Tire Recycling Statistics in the United States
Tires are crucial components that ensure safe and efficient driving over many years. However, they become damage factors once their shelf life expires. For a clearer picture, let's consider the following statistics that will help to understand better the impact and scale of tire recycling efforts in the US: 1
Annual scrap tire generation | 290 million | USTMA (2021) |
Percentage of scrap tires recycled | 76% | USTMA (2021) |
Tires used in ground rubber applications 25% | EPA (2022) |
Tires used as tire-derived fuel | 43% | EPA (2022) |
This statistic shows us two aspects. The positive one is the significant progress that is taking place in the tire recycling field. On the other hand, the negative one is that there is still a huge need for effective recycling programs and final consumer involvement to raise the scale of recycled tires.
2. How to Recycle Tires: Options for US Drivers
Getting involved in tire recycling is simpler than it seems. US drivers have several options available that would help them contribute to increasing the tire reuse rate. Consider the following listing:
- Local Recycling Centers: Drivers are encouraged to check with their local waste management authorities that may have recycling facilities accepting old tires;
- Municipal Collection Events: Local governments sometimes organize special events in order to collect waste material including old tires. We recommend keeping an eye on such events;
- Tire Retailer Take-Back Programs: Talk to your tire shop about possible take-back service programs when you buy new tires. You will find out that many reputable names like Michelin, Bridgestone, or Goodyear embrace these initiatives and might participate in such programs;
- Scrap Yards and Auto Salvage Facilities: You may have such facilities in the state where you live. You can do research and give them your old tires to be repurposed in case you find them in your area;
- Automotive Service Centers: Some chains such as America's Tire and Discount Tire receive old tires even without the need to purchase new ones. You can check with any other service center in your area if they offer such services as well.2
3. Where to Get Rid of Old Tires: Local Resources
Below you can find a list of useful resources that could help you discard old tires for proper disposal. Consider the following:
Local Government Websites: several US countries and cities have programs focused on tire disposal. Drivers can find the tire disposal locations on the country's/city's official websites;
Earth911: this source offers an extensive database where you can find recycling locations. You will need to enter "tires" and your zip code to receive the possible options;
Tire Retailer Websites: Like the physical process, you can find information about recycling programs directly on the websites of tire retailers and brands;
Community Recycling Apps: plenty of recycling apps are available in Apple/Google stores. They not only educate the consumer about how to make the reuse of old tires more efficient, but they can also point you to the nearest recycling areas.
4. What Do Tire Shops Do with Old Tires?
Tire shops usually go through 5 steps after receiving old tires from different sources. While the process may vary across the shops, it generally looks as follows:
The tire shop takes the time to collect a larger amount of old tires. As a rule, these are kept in special storage areas. Next, the old tire disposal is transported to the recycling partners (recycling facilities of waste management companies/organizations) with which the tire shops collaborate and draw up specific agreements.
Further on, the waste facility sorts the material according to condition, tire size, and purpose of subsequent recycling. Recycling agencies might reuse the old tires into new products, retread them, or shred them- again depending on the final purpose. It is common for old tires to be separated into rubber and metal components. Further on, the rubber is either reused in other products or fuel, while the metal goes for other purposes.
5. How to Dispose of Tires: Best Practices
The following ideas will help you dispose of or discard your old tires in a friendly manner. Consider the best practices indicated below:
- Avoid dumping old tires: This can not only attract hefty fines but also pollutes the environment;
- Avoid burning tires: burning rubber massively pollutes the air due to toxic chemicals released during the process;
- Find them a use or discard old tires instead of storing them: Tires can be a favorable environment for pest spread;
- Consider Upcycling: think about how you could re-use old tires for your garden, yard, or sports area before disposing of them;
- Prepare Them for Recycling: waste management companies/organizations will thank you if you clean them of debris and dirt before recycling them.
6. How to Dispose of Old Tires: The Process and Its Importance
The tire waste disposal in which every US driver can participate is fundamental for the protection of the environment and resource conservation. Awareness of this problem and taking effective measures can significantly reduce the amount of tires that end up in landfills.
Once in landfills, tires present various risks. Here, these leach chemicals into the groundwater and soil. Also, they accumulate moisture, which makes them breeding grounds for mosquitoes and all kinds of pests.
On the other hand, tire materials are valuable resources for various industries. Once separated from the old tires, the rubber can serve as raw material for fuel (among other purposes) as an alternative source of energy.
7. Recycled Tires: Innovative Uses and Applications
Tires are very versatile from the point of view of their recycling. They can serve as the basis for a wide variety of products and are used in various industries.
7.1 Used tires in road construction rubber serves as an auxiliary material to optimize drainage. In addition, the rubber is used directly in the composition of the asphalt called "rubberized asphalt" which increases the durability of the road.
7.2 Due to its flexibility properties, tire rubber is a useful material for shock absorption making it useful for safe sports areas and playgrounds. This, mixed with other components, provides a slightly cushioning effect;
7.3 Rubber mulch extracted from tires is widely used for roofing materials, floor mats, and other construction materials;
7.4 Recycled tires are frequently turned into composite railroad ties. The material processed from the tires increases the durability of the final product;
7.5 Several civil engineering applications use shredded tires to prevent soil erosion;
7.7 Tire recycling is also useful for artistic purposes. From renovating playgrounds to furniture artwork, they can be useful for functional decorations.
Conclusion
Every US driver can choose between tire improper disposal and discarding his old tires responsibly. Aldo, each of the scenarios brings bad or good consequences. It is our duty as citizens to know how to discard old tires to contribute to the protection of the environment and to actively participate in resource conservation. The various recycling programs make the decision to discard old products the right way much easier. Thus, automobile tires can become useful materials after their shelf life ends instead of presenting a risk to the environment.
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We also aim to increase drivers' awareness of the importance of choosing the right tires to enhance the degree of performance and safety on the road. For this, we deeply study the research provided by reliable sources in this industry such as Consumer Reports, Tire and Rubber Association, USTMA, and NHTSA.
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