The amount of scrap tires reaches over 290 million annually, according to USTMA data. 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.
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.
Tire Recycling Statistics in the United States
Tires become damage factors once their shelf life expires. The scrap tire generation reaches 290 million annually, while the scrap of recycled tires reaches 76%, as per USTMA. EPA showed in 2022 research that about 25% of used tires are used in ground applications, whereas 43% of old tires turn into tire-derived fuel.
| US Tire Recycling Statistics | Quantity / % | Source |
| 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) |
Tire Recycling: Statistics of annual scrap tire generation and % of recycled tires
How to Recycle Tires: Options for US Drivers
US drivers have at least five sources they can address to reuse tires and contribute to tire waste optimization. These include finding Local Recycling Centers, Municipal Collection Events, Tire Retailer Take-Back Programs, Scrap Yards and Auto Salvage Facilities, and Automotive Service Centers.
- Local Recycling Centers: Local waste management authorities have recycling facilities accepting old tires;
- Municipal Collection Events: Local governments organize special events to collect waste material, including old tires;
- Tire Retailer Take-Back Programs: Tire shops can offer information about possible take-back service programs when buying new tires. Many reputable names like Michelin, Bridgestone, or Goodyear embrace these initiatives and participate in tire-recycling programs;
- Scrap Yards and Auto Salvage Facilities: Some US states use specialized yards for old tires to be repurposed;
- Automotive Service Centers: Chains such as America's Tire and Discount Tire receive old tires without the need to purchase new ones.
Where to Get Rid of Old Tires: Local Resources
To discard old tires for proper disposal, you can consider Local Government Websites, Earth911, Tire Retailer Websites, and Community Recycling Apps.
What Do Tire Shops Do with Old Tires?
Tire shops enrolled in old tire recycling programs collect a larger amount of old tires. Then, the shops transport old tires to their recycling partners or directly to recycling facilities. The waste facilities sort the material according to tire size, condition, and the purpose of subsequent recycling. Old tires can become new products, be retreaded, shredded, or separated from their steel belts- depending on the recycling purpose.
How to Dispose of Tires: Best Practices
To dispose of or discard your old tires in a friendly manner, consider the following practices: avoid dumping old tires or burning them, find old tires a use instead of storing them (decorative projects, outdoor furniture, pet beds), or consider upcycling (erosion control, athletic surfaces, playground).
Recycled Tires: Innovative Uses and Applications
Tires can serve as the basis for a wide variety of products and are used in industries like road construction, roofing materials, or railroad ties. Old tires in road construction rubber serve as an auxiliary material to optimize drainage. In addition, tire rubber is used directly in the composition of the asphalt, called "rubberized asphalt," which increases the durability of the road.
Due to its flexibility properties, tire rubber is a shock-absorbing material, making it useful for safe sports areas and playgrounds. This, mixed with other components, provides a slightly cushioning effect. Rubber mulch extracted from tires is widely used for roofing materials, floor mats, and other construction materials.
Recycled tires are frequently turned into composite railroad ties. The material processed from the tires increases the durability of the final product. Several civil engineering applications use shredded tires to prevent soil erosion. Tire recycling is also useful for artistic purposes like renovating playgrounds to furniture artwork.
Conclusion
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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