In the last couple of decades, the tire recycling industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Not only is this good news for those wishing to be rid of tires, but it’s also good news for the environment. Properly disposing of your tires is not just important—it’s critical.
Improper or poor tire disposal can create a myriad of health and safety problems. Fires have erupted in tire piles, lasting for weeks or months at a time and releasing chemicals into the air and ground. Millions of tax dollars have been spent putting out these fires and cleaning up afterward. Tire dumps often become breeding grounds for vermin and mosquitoes, which can carry diseases. The illegal dumping of tires pollutes streams, woods, roadsides, and other public lands.
Fortunately, in the last couple of decades, the tire recycling industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Not only is this good news for those wishing to be rid of tires, but it’s also good news for the environment, which is why properly disposing of your tires is not just important—it’s critical.
Myths About Tire Recycling
There are common misconceptions about tire recycling that may discourage consumers from properly recycling their tires, such as cost and time. Tire recycling has some unique differences compared to how other items are recycled, making it easy and affordable.
Myth: Tire recycling is time-consuming.
Fact: It’s absolutely true that recycling tires takes time, and so does reading a good book! The truth of the matter is that tires are recycled at the same time that a consumer buys another set of tires, new or used. This is not “time-consuming” in the traditional sense since the customers’ tires must be removed in order for another set to be installed, so there is really no more time involved. If you are not changing tires on your car and happen to have some old tires on your property, you’ll need to locate and identify a proper drop point, where your tires can be properly recycled. A bit of online research can make things easier and less time-consuming. Plus, it makes for a cleaner, greener planet.
Myth: Tire recycling is messy.
Fact: Unlike bottles and cans, tires are generally not taken to “recycling centers.” From time to time, communities will have clean-up days, and sometimes, tires are collected with batteries, computers and other items. There are some recycling companies that accept tires from the public, but consumers dropping off tires at recycling centers is not how the majority of tires are recycled. However, if you do drop off at recycling centers, some require your tires to be clean when they arrive, but not all of them. This means washing off mud, dirt, and debris before dropping them off or having them picked up. Simply by doing your homework and finding companies who will collect your tires “as is” can save you from the messiness.
Myth: Tire recycling is costly.
Fact: While there are some nominal fees to tire recycling, think about this: what would it cost if you got caught improperly disposing of tires? Fines, fees and costs could wind up being significantly higher. What about the “costs” to the environment? There is likely no real dollar amount that you could place on that, would you agree? Recycling fees are generally not “costly”. They can vary from state-to-state and store-to-store, but the range is usually $1 to $2.50 per tire, a fraction of the cost of what consumers pay for replacement tires, even used tires.
When tires are not discarded correctly, they create pollution. While there are misconceptions that tire disposal is too time consuming and costly, there are actually numerous benefits to getting rid of tires correctly. Recycling creates jobs, which helps the economy. Also, if you run a company, like a trucking fleet operation, recycling your tires can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Do the right thing for the environment, for your community and our future: have your waste tires properly recycled. The fee that you pay at your local tire shredder is not a tax, but it does ensure that your waste tires are handled properly and recycled. If you are looking for tire shredding and tire disposal services near you, visit Jordan Disposal today in Galena KS, near Joplin MO.
