How to dispose of old tires?
Did you know 280 million waste tires are produced each year in the United States alone? According to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Old tires can be hazardous if not disposed of properly for a number of reasons.
Tires take up valuable space in landfills, where they don't break down easily and can be difficult to compact. They also contain a variety of chemicals that can be harmful to the environment when they do decompose. For example, they can release chemicals like zinc, lead, and cadmium into the soil and groundwater.
This is why our team of experts in junk removal has put together this guide to help you find out how to dispose of or recycle tires safely and properly:
7 ways to dispose of your old tires
1. Check with your local waste management facility
Your local waste management facility may have specific guidelines on how to dispose of old tires. They may also have programs in place for recycling tires, so make sure to contact them and see what options are available in your area.
2. Consider tire retailers
Many tire retailers offer tire disposal services. They may also be able to help you recycle your old tires. When buying new tires, let the garage keep the old ones and dispose of them for you!
3. Contact a tire recycling center
Many recycling centers specialize in the disposal of old tires. They can recycle the rubber from the tires and use it for other products. Check with your local government or search online to find a tire recycling center near you.
4. Use a tire retreading service
Some companies specialize in retreading old tires, which involves replacing the worn tread with new rubber. This can extend the life of the tire and reduce waste. About 30 million tires are retreaded or reused each year, according to the DOT.
5. Repurpose old tires
Old tires can be repurposed in many ways, such as creating planters or using them in playgrounds. Turn old tires into swings, funky patio furniture, or retaining walls!
6. Use a community collection event
Many communities schedule special days to collect materials that can’t otherwise be thrown away, such as tires, paint, batteries, electronics, and more. Contact your local government for more information.
7. Have a professional haul them away
All of the above are good options for you to take action and decrease your carbon footprint on our planet. However, sometimes you might not have the time or means to remove the tires and bring them to specific facilities. If you still want to dispose of old tires responsibly, you can call us at 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and we will come to your house, pick up the tires you are looking to get rid of, and drop them off at the proper disposal or recycling center so you won’t have to lift a finger.
Can tires be recycled?
Yes! In fact, recycling tires is the best way to dispose of them because they are hazardous if left to rot in a landfill and they can be reused or made into other products.
How old tires are recycled
Tires can be a hazardous waste when thrown into a landfill. For this reason, many regular waste services refuse to take your scrap tires. Many people then end up with old tires in their garage or shoved into a corner of the backyard. This is a missed opportunity because they can be reused in a number of ways.
Crumb rubber: Old tires can be shredded into small pieces known as crumb rubber, which can be used as a raw material for new products. Crumb rubber can be used to make asphalt, playground surfaces, athletic fields, and more. About 7% of old tires are used as crumb rubber, according to Popular Mechanics.
Pyrolysis: Pyrolysis is a process that heats tires in the absence of oxygen to produce oil, gas, and carbon black. The oil and gas can be used as fuel, and the carbon black can be used to make new tires, among other things.
Rubberized asphalt: Rubberized asphalt is a mixture of asphalt and crumb rubber that is used to pave roads. The rubber provides elasticity and durability, making the pavement last longer. About 26% of old tires are reused as rubberized asphalt.
Rubber mulch: Old tires can be shredded into small pieces and used as mulch in landscaping projects. Rubber mulch can help suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. About 7% of old tires are used as rubber mulch.
Tire-derived aggregate: Old tires can be shredded into small pieces and used as fill material for construction projects. This material, known as tire-derived aggregate, can be used in place of gravel or sand.
Tire-derived fuel: Old tires can be burned as fuel to generate energy in cement kilns, power plants, or pulp and paper mills. This process, known as tire-derived fuel, can help reduce the use of fossil fuels and provide a source of energy. Though it burns dirty, about 49% of old tires are burned for fuel.
These are just some of the ways old tires can be recycled. The specific recycling method used may depend on factors such as the condition of the tires and the available technology.
Let 1-800-GOT-JUNK? make your old tires disappear
Don’t let tires hang around and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes or become a landfill hazard. With so many ways to recycle and reuse tires safely, it makes sense to have a pro take them away and use them properly. Look at our tire recycling page or contact your local 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise to take away your old tires and relieve you of the burden of disposing of them.
Read our blog for more helpful tips on toxic waste removal, glass disposal, and more. For more detailed information about removal costs to you, visit our pricing page to learn more!
