Are tires bad for landfills?

Discarded tires have a severely negative impact on the environment that most drivers would never consider. Not only do they take up a lot of space, they do not biodegrade so they will not break down no matter how long they sit in the landfill. The most responsible way to reduce the waste of old tires is recycling these auto parts, and purchasing products made from the recycled material is possible.

Impact On The Environment

Landfills are a major environmental issue because there are so many non-biodegradable materials taking up needed space. As this designated land becomes scarce, people are forced to start dumping materials like junk cars and auto parts in wooded areas or in residential yards. Burning tires produce a very harmful smoke that gives off an oily residue, and breathing the fumes is harmful to humans and animals. A single tire can burn for several weeks at a time and continues to contaminate the air and nearby surfaces.

The Benefits of Recycled Rubber

Over 3 billion pounds of rubber are used to create more than 250 million new tires each year. Fortunately, scrap tires decrease the amount of new rubber used in the production of the following innovations:

• Garden mulch that is resistant to termite infestations.

• Drainage ditches, internal layers of roadways, and most other applications of traditional gravel.

• Playground mats, welcome mats, vehicle mud guards, and playground flooring.

• Filter media for wastewater treatment.

How You Can Help

Anytime you need auto repair, try to shop in auto salvage for junk parts to reduce the environmental impact of unnecessary new parts. Work with a buyer of junk cars if you want to get rid of an old vehicle in a way that it can be recycled. Finally, ask questions anytime you get an auto repair to find out if your junk parts can be recycled.