How Truck Tires Impact the Environment

Truck fleets, service dealers, and OEMs all rely on sturdy, long-lasting tires to get their vehicles where they need to go. Eventually, these tires become worn and require replacement to keep up with company productivity. Many old tires get taken to landfills, but this practice harms the environment due to the chemicals in the rubber. That’s why many companies are exploring ways to solve the tire waste problem and prevent further environmental damage.

Recycling tires is the best way to promote sustainability for your fleets and suppliers. At IMI, we can provide you with reliable knowledge and tips on the most valuable ways to incorporate used tire recycling into your business model. Our expert team members come from trucking backgrounds, so they understand the importance of providing eco-friendly options for used tires.

TIRES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

There are millions of used tires sitting in backyards, rivers, and other areas that could harm the surrounding environment. Tires can last a long time, which means it’s not easy to dispose of them. Because rubber is durable and contains numerous chemicals, tires aren’t biodegradable, which means they can be hazardous to people, plants, and animals if they are not taken care of properly. There are a few things to consider before you decide to toss used tires.

1. NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Throwing away tires causes numerous issues, such as:

• Landfill buildup:Many landfills become overcrowded quickly with other kinds of waste, and bulky tires take up what little room is left. The rubber material also traps gases like methane, which causes them to bubble up to the surface after burial. Some owners have banned the practice of throwing away tires to preserve room for other household and commercial garbage.
• Leaching:The heavy metals and other materials in tire rubber eventually break down and infiltrate the surrounding soil. Rainfall can push these contaminants deeper into the dirt and allow them to spread. If groundwater is nearby, it can become tainted by these pollutants.
• Pest increase:Water collects inside the circular hollows of old tires, attracting mosquitoes or other insects.

2. EMISSIONS FROM BURNING TIRES

Burning tires isn’t safe for any environment. When the rubber catches fire, it releases hazardous gases and particles into the air and disperses them throughout the area. It’s also difficult to control a fire fed by tires since they tend to ignite quickly. Given the enormous potential for air, water, and soil pollution caused by burning tires, it’s essential to find more positive ways to handle the tire waste problem.

Used tire recycling is an excellent alternative to burying or burning old tires, allowing the durability and longevity of rubber to serve as a benefit rather than a detriment.

HOW ARE TIRES RECYCLED

One of the easiest ways to prevent tire waste is to take care of them as long as possible. When it’s time to purchase new sets, there are safe and natural ways to recycle used tires:

• Retreading: You can retread specific kinds of tires up to three to five times. This practice allows your trucks to use their existing sets as long as possible.
• Playground mulch: Ground tire rubber is an excellent material for play-set flooring. Tires have natural shock absorption properties, which help reduce bumps and bruises for children who might trip or fall on swing sets. Rubber also resists mold growth, meaning it can serve a long time as a jungle gym ground cover.
• Construction: Used tire material mixed with asphalt and cement is perfect for road construction and embankments. Speed bumps, ocean dock bumpers, and road curbs can also come from repurposed tires.
• Household uses: In deciding how to recycle tires, consider personal projects like swings, plant holders, and artwork. Many people will take old tires and find creative ways to put them to good use after they’re no longer roadworthy.

Explore tire recycling solutions in your area to see what options you have available and how you can help eliminate the tire waste problem.