7 Interesting Facts You Should Know About Used Tires
Tire recycling is a process that is crucial for environmental protection and efficient resource utilization. It involves dismantling old tires, separating different components such as rubber and metal, and preparing them for reuse.
What Are Tire Wastes?
Waste tires refer to tires that are no longer safe or suitable for use. Just like any other type of waste, when a tire reaches the end of its lifecycle, it is essential to dispose of it responsibly and safely. Proper disposal prevents environmental pollution, protects human health from toxic chemicals, and helps preserve natural ecosystems.
In this blog, we will share 7 interesting facts that will help you better understand the importance of tire recycling and its impact on our daily lives.
1. Every Minute, 3300 Tires Are Produced Worldwide
This statistic translates to approximately 5 million new tires being produced every day, posing a significant challenge for the environment. Once these tires reach the end of their lifespan, they become potential waste. Such large volumes highlight the necessity of global efforts to implement clean recycling methods for tires. Each waste tire can become a resource if recycled properly, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
2. Tire Fires Can Last Up to 15 Years and Cause Severe Health Issues
Tires are made from highly flammable materials, making them extremely difficult to extinguish once they catch fire—sometimes burning for decades. Tire fires are not only harmful to the environment but also to public health. They degrade air quality, releasing dense black smoke filled with toxic chemicals and hazardous substances. These pollutants can contaminate the air and soil, leading to respiratory diseases like asthma and increasing the risk of cancer.
3. Tires Occupy Massive Space in Landfills
Due to their large size and weight, tires take up excessive space in landfills. According to the European Union, approximately 1.6 billion new tires are produced worldwide each year, with a similar number becoming waste. Without proper recycling, the number of discarded tires continues to grow, taking hundreds of years to decompose. Simply discarding tires in landfills is not a solution; instead, it worsens existing environmental challenges. Since tires are not biodegradable, adopting effective recycling methods is critical for waste management and environmental protection.
4. Tires Can Cause Water Stagnation and Increase Malaria Cases
During rainfall, discarded tires can accumulate water, creating an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry malaria. This significantly increases the risk of disease transmission. Beyond malaria, such stagnant water can also harbor other infectious diseases, posing serious threats to public health. Proper management of used tires not only protects the environment but also helps prevent epidemics and health crises.
5. There Are Multiple Practical Uses for Recycled Tires
Old tires can be repurposed into over 110 different products. The recycling process involves breaking down the tires, extracting key components such as rubber, steel, and other materials, and transforming them into new products. Recycled rubber is used to manufacture new rubber-based products. Shredded tires can reinforce soft soil foundations, preventing erosion and floods. Rubber surfaces are ideal for playgrounds, as they absorb impact and enhance safety. Waste tires can serve as an alternative fuel source for cement production, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
6. Tires Have a Manufacturing Date and Expiration Period
Tires have a limited lifespan even if they are never used. After about five years, they start undergoing thermo-oxidative degradation, a chemical reaction that weakens the rubber over time. This deterioration affects their durability and safety, especially at high speeds.
The production date of a tire can be identified using the DOT code printed on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending in "2319" means the tire was produced in the 23rd week of 2019.
7. Tire Recycling Reduces Energy Consumption
Manufacturing new tires requires a significant amount of energy and relies heavily on fossil fuels. Studies show that producing recycled rubber consumes 50% less energy compared to manufacturing new rubber from raw materials. This process helps conserve energy and reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources, making a substantial impact on environmental sustainability.
Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future
Tire recycling plays a crucial role in waste reduction and environmental conservation. Every year, billions of tires are discarded, leading to resource depletion and increased pollution. By properly recycling old tires, we can save energy, preserve natural resources, and support the circular economy, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
In Georgia, you can responsibly dispose of your old tires through Wasteless, ensuring they are safely recycled and given a second life. Don’t discard—recycle!
