Recycling old tires isn’t something many people have given much thought to. But, unbeknownst to most, there are a number of ways in which it helps the environment and paves the way for new and financially savvy uses.
Instead of letting old tires stack up in their garage or backyard (attracting unwanted insects, dust and water), more and more people are taking advantage of this reusable material. Recycled tire material can be used all around your home, from rubberized asphalt and garden pavers to playground flooring and mug guards.
Not to mention, old tires can take nearly a century to decompose naturally. Companies of all sizes as well as every-day people are considering tire-recycling due to its number of proven applications, global environmental sustainability, and more.
What are some uses of recycled tires I can implement around my home?
Crumb rubber, composed of finely ground tire rubber, has many applications around the home, such as:
- Rubberized asphalt
- Playground flooring
- Welcome mats
- Anti-fatigue mats
- Vehicle mud guards
- Thermal insulation
In addition, rubber roofing is eco-friendly, resistant to storms, and can hold up for around 50 years.
Garden mulch, another innovative creation produced with recycled tires, has many benefits over wood mulch, including:
- Retains its appearance over time
- Doesn’t float away during rainstorms
- Will not rot the way wood mulch will
- Doesn’t attract termites and other wood-boring pests
What kind of industrial applications do recycled tires offer?
Tire chips can be used anywhere gravel is used, as well as sub-layers for roadways, aggregate for drainage ditches, and highway embankment backfill. Tire chips can limit frost penetration, and even reduce vibration and noise mitigation from passing vehicles or trains. Shredded or chipped tires can also be utilized as a liner and/or cover for landfills, and provide a great alternative to coal or incinerator ash. And because tire chips can be molded into a specific size, they can be applied as filters in wastewater treatment and constructed wetlands.
That being said, the number of applications that recycled tires offer is vast and often underutilized. By taking advantage of this valuable resource, you can positively impact the environment (globally and locally), save money, and make a difference in the encouragement of sustainable recycling.
You can learn more about tire recycling and shredding machines here