What happens to tyres when they are recycled?
As a society we are becoming increasingly environmentally aware. O We like to know how many air miles our food has done, the carbon footprint of the various appliances we have at home and whether or not something is recyclable. Ever wondered what happens to the old tyres that are removed from your car?
In July 2007 it became a legal requirement to recycle all tyres. On leaving any tyres at your garage, you should be asked to contribute towards their safe disposal, usually between £1/£2. The garage will have a contract with a collection company, who after collecting up the tyres will pass onto a partner organisation whose responsibility it will be to process the unwanted items. They will make the decision to either re-use or recycle.
Of course, there is the option to take the tyres to your local recycling centre. Garages are not permitted to do this. They have to follow specific protocols as the tyres left there are considered commercial waste.
Re-using old tyres
If the tyres are deemed acceptable for reuse, they undergo a remoulding process. First, the tyres are buffed down – this is the term given to removal of the tread. A new tread is fixed on and the side walls are moulded back into place, ready to be sold back to the general public.
Recycling of old tyres
Tyres that are excessively damaged are broken down to be recycled. Where this is the case, the metal parts are separated and dealt with as per guidelines. The rubber crumb, a by product of the granulation process is then used in a whole manner of different ways. Here are some of its most popular uses:
- Playground surfaces based on recycled rubber granules are softer than concrete or tarmac. Recycled tyres can also be used to provide a base for athletics tracks, and a rubber base also makes for more realistic artificial grass.
- Carpet underlay made from tyre rubber can be guaranteed for up to 25 years! Particularly suitable in areas where there is a lot of traffic i.e. hallway, stairs
- Stationary that lasts. Everything from erasers, pencil cases, mouse mats to notebook covers, bookmarks and coasters.
- Mulching the garden. By using granulated tyres you can be rest assured that you will never have to replace the chippings in your garden. Not only does the material prevent weed growth and deters pests but it also doesn’t suck the moisture from plants, keeping them well hydrated.
There is also the age old, tried and tested tyre recycling method of hanging it from a tree and having a swing!
