Where do our tires go after we’ve used them?
Tires are an essential component of any vehicle, but they can also create a significant waste problem due to their large volume and long lifespan. What can we do and what shouldn’t we do with tires when they are no longer safe for our cars? There are ways to dispose of them responsibly or repurpose them altogether.
Disposing of tires can be a challenge, especially if you aren’t sure where to take them. Proper disposal is important for the environment and for public health.
Related: Continental Tire Review: These Run Flat Tires Will Change Your Life. Really.
Conventional Ways to Dispose of Your Car Tires
- Landfills are the most common place people think of to dispose of tires, but this method is not ideal. Tires take up a lot of space and can create environmental hazards. The rubber on the tire can create toxic gases and leak chemicals into soil and water. In some cases, landfills will not accept tires or will require a fee for disposal, so call ahead.
- Tire Collection Programs: many states offer tire collection programs that allow residents to drop off their used tires at designated locations. These programs aim at reducing the number of tires that end up in landfills and can also help prevent tire fires which release harmful chemicals into our environment.
- Tire retailers will sometimes offer tire disposal services when you purchase new tires. A fee may be charged for this service, but it is easy and convenient.
What you cannot do is illegally dump tires or leave them curbside. Not only are illegally dumped tires an eyesore, but they pose environmental health risk and can attract rodents and mosquitoes, which carry disease.
Related: Can You Buy Tires Online? What You Need to Know, And What We Learned
Links to Help you Dispose of Car Tires
Tire processors are the best way to ensure that tires are disposed of in a responsible way, and some of them recycle tires. Different states have different disposal regulations. Your states’ solid waste department can answer all of your questions regarding the recycling of tires. You can search by state for resources; for Texas, I went to: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/
Want to know where to get rid of tires you might have taking up space in your garage or shed? Or how to get rid of tires someone has dumped on or near your property? Or perhaps how to find an authorized transporter that picks up tires in your area? Again, search by state; this is what I found in Texas:https://www.tceq.texas.
Want a scrap tire annual report – and yes, there is such a thing! Click here: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/
For a list of tire disposal facilities, I found: https://www.texasdisposal.com/
What Happens If I Recycle Tires?
Recycling tires not only helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills but also creates new products, conserve resources and reduce the need for new raw materials.
Here are some of the ways tires can be recycled:
- Rubber Mulch; the rubber from tires can be ground into granular material, which can be used as landscape material, play surface or as material to absorb shock (think football fields or running tracks at athletic venues).
- Tire-Derived Fuel; this fuel is used in cement kilns, paper mills, and power plants. This method of recycling tires reduces the need for traditional fossil fuels and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Rubber Modified Asphalt; Rubber from tires can be added to asphalt to improve its durability and resistance to wear and tear. This method of recycling tires is becoming increasingly popular as it helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills.
- Rubber Products; The rubber from tires can be used to create a variety of products, including flooring, footwear, hoses, crash barriers and floor mats. Recycling tires into rubber products conserves resources and reduces the need for new raw materials.
The following link is a state-by-state guide on where to recycle tires plus any fee associated with tire disposal: https://www.utires.com/
Are you Crafty?
If so, you may repurpose old tires too! Here are a few ideas:
- Create an outdoor tire swing
- Craft an ottoman
- Use as a plant holder
- Use for exercise
Be Mindful of Pests when Storing Used Tires
Stockpiles of tires can serve as the ideal breeding ground and attract pests. Here are some tips on how to keep these pests out of your tires and where to store them to minimize the risk of infestation.
- Mosquito Prevention; to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your tires, you should store them in a dry and well-ventilated area. Mosquitos are known for laying eggs in standing water, so it is important to remove any water that may accumulate in the tires. Of course you can also use mosquito repellant sprays around the tires to prevent eggs or larvae.
- Rat Prevention; rats are naturally attracted to tires because they provide a warm and cozy place to nest. To keep rats out of your tires, store them in a dry well-ventilated area, and keep them off the ground. You can also set traps or baits to prevent rats from ‘setting up home’ in your tires.
Related: The Truth About Worn Tires and Tire Replacement: What You Need to Know
Better Options for Storing Used Tires
- The best place to store tires is in a covered area, away from any moisture or sunlight (a garage, a shed, or covered patio). If outside, keep them off of the ground to prevent water from accumulating.
- As a last resort, you could consider alternative storage options such as a storage unit or storage container. These would ensure protection from the elements and reduce the risk of pest infestation.
Disposing of tires can be challenging, but it is important to choose a method that is safe and environmentally friendly. It’s important to know that you do have options. By taking the time to properly dispose of and recycle tires, we can help reduce the environmental impact of waste and create a more sustainable future for us all.
