How is Mulch Made From Rubber Tires?
The use of recycled rubber tire mulch is widespread in commercial sites including playgrounds, schools and highway projects. This mulching material receives praise for its durability, insect resistance and flexibility. In addition, the long-term cost of recycled rubber mulch is much less than organic matter. Making mulch from rubber tires involves a number of steps from raw material to finished product. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Materials
-
Used tires are the only ingredient in recycled rubber mulch. However, certain tire types are better for mulch production than others. The three best types of tires for recycling, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, include: truck tires measuring from 20 to 24.5 inches in diameter, off-road tires measuring from 25 to 51 inches and solid, and industrial tires measuring from 8 to 16 inches in diameter.
Metal Stripping
-
Tires pass through a machine that strips the sidewalls off. These pieces contain metal that is not useful in the mulch. Some of this metal recycles again into different usable products.
-
Shredding
-
Recycled tires provide a soft landing spot on playgrounds. A shredding machine with sharp blades slices the tires into small pieces. Filters further size pieces according to customer requests.
Cleaning
-
Tire pieces pass through several cleaning screens including a heavy-duty vacuum apparatus to ensure the removal of all polyester.
Painting
-
Shredded rubber pieces receive a coating of ton-toxic paint in a rainbow of colors. Recycled tire mulch is bagged and ready for the playground.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
