What to Do With Junk Tires
In February 1990 12 to 14 million tires caught fire in Hagersville, Ontario, and burned for 17 days. Surprisingly, environmental damage was small, but the event underscores the growing problem of excess junk tires. Fortunately, several innovative solutions have come about, such as using old tires for building materials, construction additives or landscaping.
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Grind the Tires
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One solution that has been going on for at least two decades is grinding junk tires into small particles. Then, the material can be added to asphalt to improve the durability of the new road surface. In fact, federal legislation passed in the early 90's requires federal road builders to include scrap rubber from junk tires in 5 percent of all road surfaces. A similar technique has been used for tennis courts and other athletic facilities. Tire particles also can be used as landscape mulch.
Build a Solar House
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The landscaping technique of building a junk tire retaining wall has been expanded to create house foundations that can also serve as a heat sink. To meet building codes some tires are filled with concrete, but in many locales around the West, rubber tire houses are being built and lived in. When junk tires are used in construction, it is imperative to use older tires that are chemically inactive.
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Roofing Material
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One inventive California builder has found a simple method of converting racing slick tires to roof shingles. The main production tool is a blade which cuts away the side walls. Then the remaining tread is cut into individual shingles.
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- Photo Credit stack of old tires image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
