How to Recycle Rubber Products

Old rubber tires should be recycled.

Unlike commonly recyclable items such as aluminum, paper and plastic, you can't simply throw rubber products into a curbside recycling bin. However, that doesn't mean that rubber is not recyclable. Recycled rubber is used to create cushioned running tracks and as padding on children's playgrounds. To get rid of used rubber -- including old rubber tires -- you must find a rubber recycling program in your area.

Instructions

1. Gather your old rubber products together so you know exactly how much rubber you have to recycle. Because the recycled rubber will likely be shredded before to being re-purposed, it is OK to include broken bits of rubber.

2. Contact your city's public works department to see if it accepts rubber. Although it probably won't accept rubber for curbside pickup, you may be able to drop it off at the recycling center during normal business hours.

3. Consider donating the rubber to a local business, such as one that uses old tires to create rubber mulch. You will find organizations in need of recycled rubber on online recycling sites such as Recycle.net or Earth911.

References

• Recycler's World
• Earth911