When you get a new set of tires installed, your old ones are quickly removed, stacked aside, and taken out of sight. But have you ever wondered what actually happens to them? With millions of tires replaced every year in the United States alone, proper disposal and recycling is a major environmental concern and also a remarkable example of how waste can be transformed into something useful.
Tires are made of durable, non-biodegradable materials. This means they won’t naturally break down in landfills. That’s why it’s so important for old tires to be handled responsibly. At our repair shop, we make sure that the tires removed from your vehicle don’t go to waste.
Why Tires Can’t Just Go in the Trash
Because tires contain steel, synthetic rubber, and other chemicals, they can’t be disposed of like regular household garbage. In fact, many landfills won’t even accept whole tires because they take up space, trap gases, and can damage landfill liners.
Improper disposal also creates health and environmental risks. Stockpiled or dumped tires can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents. When burned, tires release toxic chemicals that pollute the air and soil.
That’s why government regulations require tire shops to handle disposal through approved channels, and most professional auto shops have relationships with certified recycling facilities.
The Tire Recycling Process
After your old tires are removed, they are typically sorted based on their condition. Some tires with minimal wear may be reused or retreaded for second-life applications, such as farm equipment or trailers. However, most are destined for recycling.
Recycling centers first shred the tires into smaller pieces. The steel wires embedded in the rubber are separated out using magnets. From there, the rubber is further processed into granules or crumb rubber, which can be used in a wide variety of applications.
Depending on the facility and equipment used, some tires are also cryogenically frozen to facilitate easier crushing and separation. The result is a collection of valuable materials that can be repurposed in many industries.
What Old Tires Become
Recycled tires can be found in places you might never expect. Some of the most common uses include:
- Playground surfaces and athletic fields made from crumb rubber
- Rubberized asphalt used for road construction
- Garden mulch that resists weeds and doesn’t break down quickly
- Flooring and mats for gyms, industrial settings, or animal stalls
Fuel in cement kilns and paper mills, where tires are used as an alternative energy source
Tires may also be used in civil engineering projects, such as drainage systems, embankments, and backfill for retaining walls.
With the right processing, nearly every part of a tire can be recycled or reused in some form, keeping millions of pounds of waste out of landfills each year.
How You Can Help
As a driver, the best thing you can do is ensure your old tires are disposed of through a professional shop that partners with tire recycling services. Avoid illegal dumping or storing tires at home, which can pose both environmental and safety risks.
Choosing shops that support sustainable practices is a simple but impactful way to contribute to cleaner communities and a greener future. If you’re curious, don’t hesitate to ask how your shop handles tire disposal—it’s an important part of responsible vehicle maintenance.
Recycle Responsibly with Woodie’s Auto Service & Repair Centers in North Carolina and South Carolina
When you have your tires replaced with us, you can trust that your old ones are handled the right way. We work with licensed recyclers to ensure materials are repurposed responsibly and stay out of landfills.
Call Woodie’s Auto Service & Repair Centers in North Carolina or South Carolina to schedule your next tire service and support eco-friendly tire recycling.