Tire recycling: how it works and why it's important
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23.07.2025
Old car tires have long been a serious environmental problem. Millions of tires end up in landfills or on the roadsides every year, polluting the environment for decades and even hundreds of years to come. Rubber decomposes very slowly, and burning it releases toxic substances. However, proper tire disposal not only solves the environmental problem but also returns valuable resources to the cycle.
Current trends in the recycling of car tires
Recycling of car tires With modern approaches and technology, they can be actively used as secondary raw materials in many areas, while eliminating any harmful impact on the environment.
Today, more and more drivers and companies are choosing responsible handling of used tires by recycling them. Recycling tires at specialized facilities allows for the recovery of rubber, metal, and textiles, which are then used in various industries, from construction to metallurgy.
Why this is important and how exactly it happens - we will tell you further.
Why can't you just throw away the tires?
There are several reasons:
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Long period of decomposition. Under natural conditions, rubber takes more than 100 years to deteriorate.
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Environmental pollution. When tires break down, they release harmful chemical compounds that enter the soil and water.
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Danger when burning. When burning, rubber produces toxic smoke that is harmful to humans and the environment.
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Reuse of materials. Tires contain useful components that can be returned to production.
Basic processing technologies
Modern factories use several effective technologies for tire recycling:
1. Mechanical processing
The most popular method. Tires are crushed in special machines, separating the metal cord and textile from the rubber. The result is rubber crumb, which is then used for:
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coverings for children's and sports playgrounds;
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production of soundproofing and heat-insulating materials;
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creation of road surfaces.
2. Pyrolysis
This method involves heating the tires in an oxygen-free environment. As a result, the tire decomposes into:
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carbon residue (carbon black);
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liquid fuel;
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pyrolysis gas.
Pyrolysis is popular due to its minimal waste and the possibility of producing fuel.
3. Cryogenic processing
The tires are frozen with liquid nitrogen, making them brittle, and then crushed. This method produces high-quality crumbs with minimal amounts of foreign impurities.
What is made from recycled tires?
The results of the processing are surprising in their diversity:
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Rubber crumb – for safe surfaces in playgrounds, stadiums and parks.
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Metal cord is melted down and used in metallurgy.
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Textile fiber - used for thermal insulation or as a filler.
Car mats, shoes, floor coverings, and even furniture are also made from recycled rubber. Thus, an old tire, when recycled, gets a new lease on life.
Legislative norms
In Russia, there are regulations requiring organizations and individuals to recycle old tires. A regular trash container or landfill violates these regulations and directly harms the environment. Therefore, specialized companies like Lexor handle all stages of the process, from tire collection to recycling according to environmentally friendly standards.
Conclusion
Proper disposal of car tires is every car owner's contribution to environmental conservation and sustainable resource use. Modern technologies make it possible to transform old tires into useful materials without harming the environment. By choosing specialized services, you not only dispose of unwanted tires but also support environmentally responsible practices.
Don't delay - recycle your old tires today!