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Tires and
Rubber

Rubber recycling has been around for roughly 100 years, with most of it coming from rubber tires. These tires are turned into products and surfaces we use every day, including new tires, playground surfaces, hospital flooring, equestrian mats, rubberized asphalt, and much more.

Close-up of a car tire on a silver vehicle, parked on a paved road with a scenic background of trees and a warm sunset

impact and uses

Recycled Tires and Rubber

Recycling tires and rubber saves natural resources, reduces energy costs, and strengthens the economy. Recycled tires and rubber are turned into products and surfaces we use every day, including new tires, playground surfaces, hospital flooring, equestrian mats, rubberized asphalt, and much more.

Two men collaborating on a large stack of tires, engaged in a task that requires teamwork and focus

The tire and rubber recycling industry’s total annual economic impact in the U.S. is $2.47 billion. The industry supports more than 12,400 U.S. jobs.

Using recycled rubber in molded products reduces greenhouse gas emissions anywhere from 25 percent to 80 percent compared with using virgin resins.

In one year alone, 80 million discarded tires are processed into so-called crumb rubber, which becomes playground surfaces, synthetic turf infill, and other products. Another 20 million tires are used for civil engineering projects such as road embankments and rail vibration dampening.

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Rubber and Tire Facts

Today’s tire recyclers have two approaches for tire processing: Ambient shredding uses powerful interlocking knives to cut tires into pieces at room temperature. Cryogenic processing uses liquid nitrogen to change the physical properties of the tires to make them brittle. They are then smashed into small pieces.
Farmers use recycled rubber for vegetation protectors and windbreaks, sheds, livestock mats, feeders, and other needs.

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Nonferrous

More than half of all aluminum consumption by manufacturers in the United States comes from recycled commodities. Get to know aluminum and other nonferrous metals.

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Plastics

Recycled plastic uses 88 percent less energy than sourcing new plastic from primary materials. Find out more about recycled plastics.

Learn More About Plastic

Glass

Glass is 100 percent recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. Learn more about the benefits of recycled glass.

Learn More About Glass

Textiles

Many cars use recycled clothes as sound insulation, keeping your drive quiet. Discover more about the impact of recycled textiles.

Learn More About Textiles

Ferrous

Iron and steel, aka ferrous metals, are the most recycled materials globally. Buildings, bridges, and more are made using recycled ferrous metal.

Learn More About Ferrous

Paper

More than 75 percent of U.S. paper mills depend on recovered fiber from recycling operations for daily production needs. Find out how recycled paper is a part of your daily routine.

Learn More About Paper

Electronics

According to Apple, the iPhone 16 contains more than 30 percent recycled material. Learn more about the impact of recycled electronics.

Learn More About Electronics

The Power of Recycling

Recycled materials are a big part of life. We help make items that you use and depend on every day. From the wiring and plumbing in your home, to the coffee maker that gets your day started. From the roads, bridges, and highways you travel on, to the schools our children learn in – maybe even the laptop or smartphone you’re reading this on. They all likely contain recycled material.

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