How to Recycle Used Car and Truck Tires

Old tires can be recycled or reused.

Many different types of materials can be recycled but unfortunately end up in landfills instead. Used car and truck tires fit this category. Tires can be recycled, or if they are in good enough condition they can be retreaded and reused by consumers just like you. Before you take your old car or truck tires to the trash pile, consider how easy it is to help the planet and conserve energy by recycling those old tires instead.

Instructions

1. Find a recycling center in your area that recycles used car and truck tires. These can be found by contacting your city's waste department, or through a website like Earth 911, which has a search engine designed to list recycling centers in your area. Call the local recycling centers that you find. If they don't recycle tires, they may be able to direct you to a facility that does. Auto service shops and tire stores may be able to help you with this, since they have to dispose of tires themselves.

2. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website to search for scrap tire management programs if you have no luck with your local recycling center. These programs will accept and recycle used car and truck tires.

3. Gather the used car and truck tires you wish to recycle and transport them to the recycling center or scrap tire management program you located. Use caution when handling the used tire. Each state has specific laws on how to handle this material. You can find information about your state's laws on the Rubber Manufacturers Association's website.

4. Use the old car and truck tires yourself if you don't wish to bring them to a recycling center or if you can't find a program in your area. Used tires can make unique benches and sitting areas in your backyard or eclectic planters for various types of flowers or vegetable plants. You can even hang an old tire from a rope and create a fun tire swing for your children or for neighborhood kids.

References

• Charity Guide.org: Used Tires--Reuse, Recycle, Retread
• Planet Green Discovery.com: Ways You Can Recycle Tires

Resources

• EPA.gov
• Rubber Manufacturers Association
• Eath 911: Find Recycling Centers