Discussion on tire recycling
Every piece of equipment, every piece of “torn” plastic packaging, and every part of an automobile has a measurable lifespan. Some of these products have a minimal impact and then spend the rest of their lives in landfills. Such products, like grocery bags and candy wrappers, are considered unsustainable. Others are recycled into new goods, donated to community programs, and continue to add positive value to their longevity by providing assistance. These types of products are considered sustainable.
The tire industry can be considered sustainable or unsustainable. This depends on several factors such as:
-Materials used in the manufacture of tires
-How tires are driven
-Where tires are discarded
-Availability of tire recycling facilities
Let’s look at the three stages of a tire’s life cycle and how consumers can influence the sustainability of that product.
1. New tires
The first stage in the life cycle of a tire is when it is new and ready for use. At this stage, we can play a role by choosing tires made from sustainable materials. Natural rubber, biopolymers and bio-oils are increasingly being used in tire production. Choosing tires made from these materials is the first step towards reducing environmental impact.
Like too many things and people, we only notice tires when they let us down. We’re all too familiar with flat tires on vacations out of town, worn treads that fail to grip, and screeching and skid marks left around dirty asphalt jungles.
While it’s hard to forgive tires for these sudden interruptions, it’s nice to know that the more carefully and gently we drive, the longer our tires maintain their road-worthy performance, saving money and the environment.
Eventually, however, every tire reaches a point where it is no longer safe to drive.
2.Scrap tires
Once a tire reaches the end of its useful life, it becomes scrap. These tires are often referred to as scrap tires. As we will see, this is a misleading name because scrap tires can continue to provide value for decades if upcycled or recycled.
If not handled properly, scrap tires can have a significant impact on the environment. For example, carelessly discarded scrap tires:
– Float to the top of landfills
– Leach toxins into waterways and soil
– Decompose extremely slowly
– Creating a risk of dangerous tire fires
To reduce the impact of scrap tires, consumers should seek out rubber recycling centers in their area or contact a local tire store to ask about tire recycling options.
3. Recycled Tires
Tire recycling is an important part of the sustainability of the tire industry. If all waste tires go to tire recycling plants, the industry can be considered sustainable. This is because recycling tires contributes to the following:
– Asphalt mix
– Energy production
– Playgrounds
– Artificial turf
– Industrial floor mats
Steel wire is also extracted and reused in the tire recycling process. Recycling tires reduces the amount of waste as well as the amount of raw materials needed to manufacture products such as playgrounds and turf.
However, not all areas have tire recycling plants, making it difficult for consumers to dispose of old tires sustainably. Consumers can influence the sustainability of the tire industry by supporting the development of tire recycling facilities in their area.
Starting a Tire Recycling Plant
If you’ve ever thought about becoming an entrepreneur, then tire recycling is a low-risk, high-reward business idea that could be perfect for you. All you need are three central building blocks.
1. a warehouse or processing site – ideally located near a tire store or auto repair shop.
2. scrap tire recycling equipment – including tire shredders, conveyor belts, wire pullers, etc.
3. a marketable end product – tire rubber can be used in a variety of other products, from rubber mulch to asphalt to plugs.
While the initial investment may seem daunting, quality equipment like Luodate’s scrap tire recycling line is built to last and won’t depreciate in value anytime soon.
Comments Off on Are Tires a Sustainable Product? As mentioned above, much depends on how we as consumers choose to use and discard them. Starting a tire shredder business is great if you care about contributing to the sustainability of your product and potentially unlocking the key to a happy life.