HOW TO RECYCLE TIRES

Used tires are among the largest and most problematic sources of waste today, due to the large volume produced and their durability. Stockpiles of whole tires are a large health and safety risk. Tire fires are very hard to extinguish and burn for decades. Also, smoke includes toxic chemicals. The tires are also the perfect place to provide shelter for vermin and a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may carry diseases.

 

There are three types of tires; car tires, truck tires, and off-the-road (OTR) tires. The most common are car tires who consist of approx. 45-50 % rubber, 10-15% steel and 3-5 % textile. In tires the rubber ensures optimal grip, a long lifespan, low fuel efficiency, and best comfort including noise reduction, while the steel and textile give the tensile strength necessary to contain the inflation pressure.

 

The same characteristics which make waste tires a waste problem also make them one of the most re-used waste materials. Rubber is a very dependable material strong, flexible, elastic, durable, and waterproof. The most important use of rubber is in tires – almost half of all the world's rubber ends up as tires! Other uses are e.g. erasers, balloons protective gloves, waterproof clothes, and paints.