When it comes to disposing of your old tyres, the most responsible choice is to recycle or reuse them in another project.
Tyres can actually become more of a danger than you may first realise. If tyres get backlogged and catch fire, they can burn for days and cause severe danger and pollution to the environment.
Once you have removed your old tyres, it’s always best to dispose of them as quickly and safely as possible. Many waste management companies will even arrange collections of tyres if you have a backlog or a high number to dispose of.
There are a number of ways you can recycle tyres yourself in and around your home. However, if you would rather dispose of your tyres than recycle them yourself, they can still be reused.
How Does the Tyre Disposal Process Work?
Old tyres have to be recycled responsibly as they are legally banned from being tipped at landfill sites. Tyres take up a substantial amount of space and can even trap methane gases. This means they can rise to the top and spread contaminants from ruptured landfill liners.
If you send your tyres to a trusted waste management and recycling centre, they will usually be disposed of in a shredding process.
They are initially baled together for safe storage and transportation. The tyres will then be placed in an industrial shredder to turn them into small strips.
They are then put through a process that removes the metal and other recyclables from these strips. The individual parts removed can then be recycled and reused as materials.
The leftover rubber strips are then treated to remove any contaminants and can be further processed to turn into some of the items listed below.
How Can Tyres Be Reused and Recycled?
- Recycled Products – Many materials can be recycled and reused as their original products. Textile components and steel are separated and recycled separately during shredding.
- Construction Materials – Fine shredding’s of the rubber powder derived from old tyres can be turn into tarmac for the construction of roads.
- Insulation and Sealing – The rubber granulate found in old tyres can be used in the manufacturing of building panels. These panels provide things like insulation and sealings for new buildings.
- Sports Grounds – Even finer granules are used on AstroTurf pitches at sports grounds as filler materials.
- Playgrounds – Many full tyres, once checked over and made safe, can be sent to places like nurseries and schools. Old car, lorry and tractor tyres can be used to create bike tracks or even to plant flowers.
- Around the Home – Over the last few years, people have really got creative with their old car tyres! They’ve been used in gardens to create planters and rope swings. Old tyres can even be used to create furniture for indoors like footstools and pet beds.
How Much Does Tyre Disposal Cost?
It’s always best to find a reliable and experienced waste management company to recycle your old tyres for you. They can be sure it is done so in a legal and environmentally conscientious way.
The cost of disposing of your tyres depends on both where you choose to get rid of them and the current market value for the materials gained in the shredding process.
Before you take your tyres or arrange collections, you can always get in touch and ask what their current tyre disposal cost is. For commercial sites, you can usually set up frequent collections at a set price, so it’s always best to get in touch.
Here at KCM Waste Management, we offer tyre disposal year-round. To get a price, please feel free to send us a message, call 01709 361 144 or email info@kcmwaste.com.