Ever wonder what happens to your old tires after you’ve paid the garage the disposal fee? Maybe you want to dispose of your old tires yourself, but you’re not sure what the proper procedure is. And is there a difference between tire disposal and tire recycling? Below is a complete guide to recycling your old tires to keep your tire maintenance as green and eco-friendly as you can. I’ll also share my experience from when I recycle tires near me and other options you have.
Map of Recycle Tires Near Me
If you are looking for “tire recycling near me” or “where to recycle tires”, see below for locations…
Alternatively, you can search for “tire recycling near me” or “where to recycle tires near me” in Google and Yelp. This will curate a list of places who can take in your worn out rubbers.
Where Should I Take My Tires When I’m Ready to Dispose of Them?
It can be a challenge to find an eco-friendly way to dispose of your used tires. Most waste haulers won’t take them, so leaving them curbside for garbage collectors won’t do the job. However, there are a number of recycling organizations that will do at-home pick-ups for recyclable items.
Since tires are so difficult to dispose of properly, some organizations even specialize in eco-friendly tire disposal. Still, more organizations have designated spaces for you to drop off your tires. Whether you have your tires picked up or dropped off there is usually a fee involved.
You can use the localized map above to find a recycling organization that will take old tires. Once you’ve found the right place you can arrange a pick-up or drop-off. Keep in mind that some US states require a special license to haul a large number of tires. If you’re only dropping off two or three that you’ve just had replaced, that shouldn’t be an issue.
Is There a Difference Between Tire Disposal and Tire Recycling?
Yes, and it’s a very important one. For a long time, old car tires have been a highly problematic source of waste. There are so many worn tires being disposed of every year in almost every country they can pile up significantly in landfills.
Tires are built to be incredibly durable, which is good while they’re in use, but problematic when they are no longer useful. It takes a very long time for them to deteriorate. Many of the materials used to make tires are ecologically problematic and non-biodegradable. Until a greener solution is discovered that guarantees the same level of driveability, is an unfortunate necessity.
Often, “tire disposal” simply means dumping your old tires in a landfill. There they will quickly become buried under a non-biodegradable mountain of other waste tires. Fortunately, there is another option – choosing to have your old tires “recycled” instead. Rather than just dumping the waste materials, recycling tires means breaking down the old tires into materials that can be reused in the making of other products.
Can I Recycle Any Kind of Tire?
While different tires are made of different chemical compounds different tire types are all able to be recycled. This includes car, truck, motorcycle, tractor, ATV, and other types of tires and rubber.
What is the Process of Recycling Tires Near Me
The main process of tire recycling involves disassembling the tire or breaking it down into its base materials. The two main chemical procedures used in tire recycling are pyrolysis and devulcanization. Pyrolysis is the process of chemically decomposing raw materials by exposing them to extreme temperatures. Devulcanization is a reversal of a chemical process used to harden rubber.
These processes can be long and chemically involved, but the eventual result is that what was once a tire becomes bits of rubber, steel, and other raw materials. These materials can then be melted down and reshaped for use in the making of other products.
The rubber from recycled tires can be used in a variety of products. This includes casters, lawn mower wheels, toys, rubber bands, engine belts, and even asphalt! Recycled tire materials can also be used in fuel, cement manufacturing, and are useful for various civil engineering projects. There is another common tire recycling practice that grinds the old tires down into tiny granules. These are used in mulch and filler to pad the artificial turf on athletic fields and playgrounds.
Are There State Regulations to Recycle Tires Near Me?
Yes. 48 of the 50 states have regulations specifically related to tire recycling. Of course, these laws vary from state to state. There are some common areas of tire recycling that tend to come under legal scrutiny.
Tire disposal is not as simple as just throwing them in the trash. There are specific laws and regulations in place to ensure that tires are disposed of properly to protect the environment. Here’s a simple breakdown of the legal side of tire recycling:
Mention of Laws Regarding Tire Disposal
The tire recycling process is governed by laws to ensure that tires don’t end up in landfills, causing harm to the environment. These laws require that old tires be recycled by authorized centers.
The aim is to convert these tires into tire derived products that can be used in various other industries. This way, the rubber recycling process helps in reducing waste and utilizing the raw material efficiently.
State-wise Tire Recycling Programs
Different states have their own tire recycling programs. These programs are managed by the local government or by tire manufacturers who take back old tires when you buy new ones.
The programs ensure that tires are collected and sent to recycling centers where they are processed to remove steel wires and other materials. The remaining rubber is then used in creating new products like carpet padding, livestock mats, and even railroad crossing blocks for railway lines.
Importance of Adhering to Local Tire Recycling Laws
Following the local tire recycling laws is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps in protecting the environment by ensuring that whole tires don’t end up in landfills where they can trap gases and become a breeding ground for harmful pests.
Secondly, recycling contributes to the economy by providing raw material for various tire derived products. Lastly, the environmental benefits of tire recycling are immense. It not only helps in conserving natural resources but also in reducing pollution.
Moreover, recycling helps in steel liberation which is a process where steel wires are separated from the tires and recycled separately. The rubber can also be treated with liquid nitrogen and shattered into smaller pieces for further processing. Advanced machines like air classifiers are used to separate the rubber from other materials like fibers and steel.
The process of recycling also leads to the creation of sound barriers, flexible nets for sports fields, and even shoe products. Additionally, the rubber from tires can be used as a carbon source in steel manufacturing.
Adhering to these laws not only contributes to environmental conservation but also supports the recycling industry, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Why Do they Charge a Disposal Fee When I Recycle Tires Near Me?
In some situations, it can cost money to dispose of an old tire. In my experience, when I recycle tires near me, it can cost $1 to $10 to recycle a tire depending on where you go.
While it seems counterintuitive, they tell you to recycle a tire, but then charge you for it, it does make sense. On a state level, they collect fees to fund programs that help prevent the illegal dumping of tires and the environmental hazards that come with it. When your local tire shop charges you a “disposal fee”, it is because they are covering the costs of the service they pay for that picks up the old tires.
For a list of tire disposal fees by State, click here.
What is the Environmental Impact of Recycling Tires?
There are over 1 billion tires deemed useless yearly around the globe. Around 249.4 million scrap tires were generated in the U.S. in 2017. Letting tires sit in landfills has a number of negative consequences for the environment.
The first is called “leaching.”. Tires contain various heavy metals and carcinogenic chemicals that, if leached into the environment, can poison the soil and cause genetic mutations in the local plant life. Landfill overcrowding is a serious environmental concern that continues to plague countries globally. For this reason, many countries have made it illegal to dispose of old tires this way. It’s mainly for this reason that your local trash collectors won’t take your tires if you leave them out on the street. At the landfill near me, there is a rule that they don’t take any tires at all.
A common use for recycled tires is in fuel. This is because many of the chemical materials used to make tires are extremely flammable. This makes old used tires pose a serious fire hazard if they are left to decompose, especially since chemical fires can be very difficult to extinguish. Old tires can also pose an ecological pest threat. Because of their round, hollow shape, tires easily collect rainwater. This standing, stagnant water can quickly become a breeding ground for disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes.
Alternative Options to Recycle Tires Near Me
As mentioned earlier disposal implies dumping in a landfill, and recycling implies re-usability. If you were looking for tire disposal near me, here are some other better options. You can also try and get creative with them.
Retread Old Tires
Retreading is the process of replacing the tread or sole, of the tire to extend its lifespan. This is legal and depending on where you go or how much time you spend driving, can be cheaper than buying new tires. There does come a point though when tires are simply too old to be retreaded safely. Retreading isn’t a permanent alternative to recycling. However, retreading takes as little as 20% of the energy used in recycling. So in the long term, it’s a much more sustainable option than continuously buying and recycling tires.
There is no official age at which tires become too old to retread, for the simple reason that wear and tear have a much bigger impact on the life of a tire than years. A young tire that’s well-worn is much less likely to be retreadable than an old tire that’s only seen standard wear. If you are considering retreading your tires, the question you should be asking yourself is not how old the tire is, but how worn. You can find your local retreaders here.
Sell Your Used Tires
There are a varierty of ways to sell used tires both locally and online.
The best place to sell used tires that are still driveable is online. Used tires online typically go for about $75 a tire. There are a variety of websites for selling old tires, including Craigslist and Sell My Tires. You can also find local places who buy used tires.
Selling tires that are still able to be driven is much more sustainable than simply dropping them off to be recycled because you have no more use for them. You can also sell used tires to a local used tire shop. They still need to at least be retreadable, but again, it’s a way to both make a bit of money and save the energy it would take to recycle a tire that’s still driveable.
If your tires are worn, but retreadable, you can also sell them to a retreading facility like AA Tire and Wheel or Corporate Tire. These places will typically pay about $40 per tire. Some will even take tires that are not repairable and recycle them for you.
And, of course, the best place to sell tires you can no longer drive on is a tire recycling center. Going through a recycling organization is much more convenient, but it will mean that you have to pay for pick-up and drop-off. Going directly to the recycling center itself, on the other hand, means that you can collect the money for your tires and know for sure that they are being disposed of in an eco-friendly way.
How Much Money Can I Make from Selling Used Tires?
Online is typically more lucrative than in-person. You can make almost $80 a tire online, especially if they don’t have much wear and tear. The sites where you stand to make the most money for your tires are Craigslist and Sell My Tires. There are plenty of other marketplaces online where you could stand to cash for used tires.
Selling your tires to a local tire shop is a little less lucrative, but can be a lot more convenient. A tire shop will typically pay around $50 a tire, but it does depend on how worn the tire is and whether or not it will have to be retreaded. You’ll make about the same amount of money by selling to a retreading facility, so it really depends on which is more convenient for you. Unfortunately, the place that will pay the least for used tires is the recycling facility itself, but it’s your only option if your tires are so worn that they are no longer safe to drive on.
What are Recycled Tires Used For?
When you recycle tires near me, they can have many different uses. Here are some of the most popular ways tires are reused:
- Gravel substitute: Anywhere they use gravel they can use tire instead. Good examples are sublayers for roads, aggregate for drainage ditches, and highway embankments. Since tire is lighter in weight than gravel it also reduces the cost and time of labor.
- Crumb Rubber: This is where the tires have the metal chords removed and then the rubber is shredded. Some of the products are rubber asphalt, playground flooring, vehicle mud flaps, and ballistic targets.
- Landfill Liner Insulation: Here the rubber is shredded and either used to insulate a landfill or cover a landfill. The rubber makes for good thermal insulation between primary and secondary landfill liners.
- Wastewater Treatment Filters: Since tires can be chopped into a variety of sizes they are used as a filter in wetlands. They are more porous and customizable than rocks.
- Mulch: Here tires are shredded and used as mulch for agricultural applications like a garden. Tires don’t rot like wood chips and it doesn’t attract termites and wood-boring pests. Even better it maintains it’s appearance for a long time.
If you want to learn more about how old tires are reused, check out this article here.
Creative Reuse of Old Tires
The journey of scrap tires doesn’t have to end at the landfill. There’s a world of creative possibilities that can extend the life span of old tires while adding a unique touch to your surroundings. Here’s how you can turn the wheel towards sustainability with some imaginative reuse of old tires.
Unleashing Creativity with Tires
Recycled rubber from tires can morph into various useful and decorative items. One of the popular ways to reuse old tires is by transforming them into playground equipment. A classic example is a tire swing, which not only recycles the tire but also provides endless fun for children.
Tires can also be painted and used as planters in your garden, adding a quirky touch to your outdoor space. They can be stacked to create a vertical garden or used individually for planting flowers or herbs.
Benefits of Reusing Old Tires
Reusing tires contributes to reducing solid waste in landfill sites, which is a significant step towards addressing environmental concerns. It’s a practical way to reduce the demand for new materials, conserve natural resources, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions associated with the recycling process and tire processing.
Moreover, recycling rubber from tires can lead to the production of rubber mulch, which is a safer alternative to traditional wood mulch for playgrounds and gardens. It provides a soft landing surface, reducing the risk of injuries.
Diverse Applications of Recycled Tires
The realm of tire recycling extends beyond just swings and planters. Shredded tires can be used in construction materials, providing a base for roadways or railroad ties. They can also be utilized in civil engineering applications like road sub base construction, which helps in cost reduction and resource conservation.
Furthermore, recycled material from tires can be used to create rubber molded products, movable speed bumps, dock bumpers, and even patio decks. The size reduced rubber can also be used in playground turf, providing a cushioned surface for children to play on.
The creative reuse of old tires not only serves functional purposes but also embodies a strong message of sustainability and resourcefulness. Through simple yet innovative recycling methods, we can contribute to a greener planet while enjoying the unique, functional, and aesthetic benefits that recycled tires bring into our lives.
Recycle Tires Near Me – Conclusion
Tires present a concerning eco-hazard when they are simply dumped in landfills. Since they are made of non-biodegradable and toxic materials, they can poison the soil and leach carcinogens into the groundwater if they are left to sit and decompose.
Tires also present a serious fire hazard because they contain flammable chemicals. They are also a pest hazard because of their tendency to collect rainwater which attracts rodents and insects.
Because of this, it’s illegal in most countries for waste haulers to collect tires. Even if you are not concerned about the environment, you may face legal penalties if you don’t choose to recycle your tires or improperly dispose of them.
Fortunately, it’s very easy to recycle your tires. You can sell old tires that are still drivable and reuse tires for a variety of projects. If your tires are old but not too badly worn, you can have them retreaded, extending their lifespan.
There are a variety of recycling organizations that, for a fee, will pick up your old tires and dispose of them for you, and if you decide to make the drive out to the recycling facility yourself, you can even make a bit of cash. That’s what I have learned from tire recycling near me.
FAQs on Tire Recycling
Tire recycling is a responsible way to dispose of end-of-life tires. However, many people have questions regarding the process and its implications. Here are some frequently asked questions to provide clarity on tire recycling.
Can you get money for recycling tires?
Yes, in some cases, you can earn money by recycling tires. Some recycling centers or tire processing plants may pay for scrap tires as they can use them to create recycled rubber or tire derived fuel. However, the amount you receive might not be substantial.
Where can I recycle tires for free?
Some local municipalities have tire collection events where you can recycle tires for free. Additionally, certain tire shops may offer free recycling services when you purchase new tires from them.
Can you throw tires away?
No, throwing tires away is not advisable due to environmental concerns. Tires are not biodegradable and can leach toxins into the ground, leading to water pollution. They also take up significant space in landfill sites.
What do they do with old tires?
Old tires undergo a recycling process where they can be turned into rubber mulch, ground rubber, rubberized asphalt, or tire derived aggregate. They can also be used to produce alternative fuel, construction materials, and various rubber molded products.
How much does it cost to dispose of tires?
The cost of tire disposal varies by location and facility. It can range anywhere from $1 to $10 per tire. Some places might offer free disposal during special tire collection events.
Can you put tires in a dumpster?
No, tires are generally not allowed in dumpsters as they need to be processed and recycled properly to avoid environmental hazards like tire fires.
Are old tires toxic?
Old tires can be toxic if they are burned or if they leach toxins into the soil and water. However, when handled and recycled properly, the environmental risks associated with old tires can be significantly mitigated.
Tire recycling is not just an eco-friendly choice but also a step towards sustainable living. By understanding and participating in the recycling technology available, we can contribute to reducing the adverse environmental impacts associated with tire disposal.