Uses for Recycled Rubber

According to the Scrap Tire Management Council, 250 million scrap tires are generated in the U.S. each year. Rubber from scrap tires is one of the main sources of scrap rubber. Crumb rubber (recycled rubber from scrap tires) is produced by processing tires, removing any metallic contents. Recycled rubber is finding various uses in many aspects of life.

Asphalt

Asphalt is used as a binder in road construction. When mixed with crumb rubber, asphalt's lifespan improves by three times. Rubber improves the durability of asphalt by improving its behavior at low and high temperatures.

Athletic Facilities

Crumb rubber is used in synthetic tracks. It improves the tracks' durability and resiliency. It also enhances the drainage capability of the track. Rubber is inherently elastic in nature. Therefore mixing it in tracks makes the surface softer for athletes and results in fewer ground-related injuries.

Buildings

When mixed with concrete, crumb rubber improves concrete's thermal (heat transfer) and sound absorption properties.

Composting Sewage

Crumb rubber helps in composting municipal sewage sludge. It is more useful than wood chips (the more frequently used ingredient) because it does not disintegrate and can be used repeatedly.

Mulch

Crumb rubber when used in mulch helps with conserving soil moisture and moderating soil temperature. It helps control the amount of water and fertilizers needed in landscaping and reduces the amount of pesticides needed. The added advantage of crumb rubber is that it does not decompose, hence keeping the cost low.

References

• The Many Uses of Crumb Rubber
• Applications of Processed Waste Tires
• Purchasing Green

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Use of Crumb Rubber to Improve Thermal and Sound Properties of Pre-cast Concrete Panel