Upcycling and Recycling: What Should I Do With Old Tyres?
Tyres · Posted by: Mobile Tyres 2 U · 31st March 2020
The disposal of whole tyres to landfill has been banned in the UK since 2003. This legislation was introduced to meet environmental targets and move the country towards a zero-waste future.
Consequently, tyres must be recycled or upcycled. This article will explain how to recycle old tyres and offer inspiration for repurposing old tyres into new, usable items.
What are the benefits of recycling/upcycling tyres?
Tyres have a relatively short lifespan and require a lot of energy to manufacture. Recycling or upcycling your tyres instead of sending them to landfill provides a range of benefits.
- Reduces carbon emissions
Recycling your tyres generates far fewer carbon emissions than are released during the manufacturing process. Recycling four tyres saves up to 323lbs of CO2.
- Preserves natural resources
Recycling or upcycling preserves the materials needed to manufacture new products.
- Prevents environmental pollution
A reduction of tyres in landfill means a reduction of toxic waste that permeates the surrounding environment.
- Preserves land space
A reduction of tyres in landfill means that precious landscape is freed up.
Guide to tyre recycling
Tyre recycling is a great way for manufacturers to receive the core materials they need to create new products, but without harming the environment.
There are two main main ways to recycle your car tyres:
- Municipal recycling centres
Your local recycling centre is likely to accept tyres.
- Your local garage
Local garages such as Mobile Tyres 2 U recycle your old tyres after providing a tyre replacement. Simply book a tyre replacement, enjoy brand new tyres fitted by trained professionals and we’ll take care of the rest.
How are rubber tyres recycled?
Rubber can be recycled in three different ways:
- The rubber is stripped and used to refurbish existing tyres
- The rubber is incinerated to generate energy that is used for manufacturing
- The rubber is broken down to its core elements and distributed to manufacturers for use in new products
Guide to upcycling
Upcycling is the process of taking an old, disused item and refurbishing it to create a new item. Upcycling creates a new product without releasing any carbon emissions and can be done with almost any item — no matter the condition.
Some upcycling ideas for old tyres:
Tyre swing
- Clean the tyre thoroughly using WD40 or a tyre-cleaning product
- Drill three drainage holes in the tyre to prevent water from accumulating
- Secure the rope to a suitable tree using a bowline or fisherman’s bend. The tree branch should be thick and sturdy and the rope should be positioned away from any weak areas
- Secure the other end of the rope to the tyre and ensure the drainage holes are at the bottom of the tyre
- Test the swing for strength before allowing any children to use it
Tyre dog bed
- Clean the tyre thoroughly using WD40 or a tyre-cleaning product
- Paint the tyre whichever colour you’d like to make it more inviting
- Place a circular cushion inside the tyre
Tyre flower bed
- Clean the tyre thoroughly using WD40 or a tyre-cleaning product
- Paint the tyre whichever colour you’d like to make it more attractive
- Find a hessian bag that you will use to fill with soil. We recommend stapling some wooden boards to the underside of the bag for added support. Make sure these boards will fit inside the tyre.
- Drill drainage holes in the underside of the tyre
- Fill the hessian bag with soil
- You will now be able to plant seeds and watch your flowers grow
Mobile Tyres 2 U are an experienced supplier and fitter of vehicle tyres from the world’s most reliable tyre manufacturers. Serving customers in High Wycombe, Watford and the surrounding areas, we offer mobile tyre fitting and tyre replacement, including emergency replacements where and when you need it. We’ll fit your vehicle with brand new tyres and will recycle your old ones safely to protect the environment.