Tire Recycling Projects

Tires are long-lasting, durable and, unfortunately for the Earth, difficult to dispose of. They cannot be burned because burning rubber releases toxins into the air. They take years to break down in landfills or garbage heaps. They can also become unsightly when piled up as waste in a yard. One way to make a difference is to use recycled tires in a creative project.

Swings

The tire swing lives on as a simple recycling project for a tire. You can hang the tire vertically or horizontally, just make sure to pick a thick branch that can support the weight of someone swinging wildly on a tire. For the vertical tire swing, attach the rope from the tree branch to the top of the tire. Loop it around one side of the tire and tie with a tight knot. For the horizontal tire swing, select three pieces of rope that are all the same length and secure the ends of them together so they reach out into three spokes. Drill three holes through the top side of the tire, inserting one spoke of the rope into each hole. Secure with a washer and a tight knot. For either tire swing, make sure to drill holes in the bottom of the tire so water can drain out of it.

Playthings

If tire swings aren’t your thing, you can still use tires in the playground. Make a small sandbox by laying a tire on its side. Place a piece of wood or cardboard over the bottom hole so sand stays inside the tire and fill the tire with sand. You can also make tires into tunnels by standing them upright and burying the bottom third so they stay upright. Line up a row of tires to create a longer tunnel kids can crawl or wriggle through. Arrange tires at different angles and positions throughout the yard for an obstacle course or interesting and eco-friendly places to sit.

Sandals

Tire sandals never go out of style as a way to recycle tires. Draw an outline of each foot on a piece of paper, then draw another outline outside that one, making it about one-half inch bigger around the sides and toes of your foot. Draw five separate tabs attached to the outside of the outline in key areas: on each side of the ankle, behind the heel, and on each side of the base of the toes. Each tab should have a hole centered near its top to snake a piece of cloth or rope through to hold the sandals on your feet. Cut out your pattern and then use it to cut out a piece of tire. Drill holes in the tabs then attach two pieces of cloth or rope through the tabs, using one piece for the tabs at the back of the foot and another at the front. Play around with the design to come up with other creative sandals.

References

• Ecobites.com: Recycling Tires Can Be Fun
• Hollowtop.com: Make Your Own Tire Sandals