Do Used Tires Have Any Value After Being Replaced?
2 Answers
Used tires do have value, but the price is typically at the level of scrap materials. Most auto parts markets will recycle old tires. Below is an introduction to the disposal of used tires: 1. Tire Retreading: Tire retreading technology involves refurbishing worn or otherwise damaged tires through repair processes to restore their usability. 2. Converting Waste Tires into Fuel by Adding Catalysts: This technology involves heating and pressurizing waste tires to extract fuel oil. If simple and inexpensive equipment is used, it can easily cause secondary pollution. 3. Rubber Powder and Recycled Rubber from Tires: This technology first uses equipment to crush waste tires into 20-30 mesh rubber powder, followed by a desulfurization process to soften the powder into malleable recycled rubber, which can then be reprocessed into various rubber products. If the desulfurization process is not up to standard, it can also cause pollution. 4. Rubber Powder for Waterproofing and Leak Prevention: Waterproof membranes are mainly used for building leak prevention. Nowadays, most buildings undergo waterproofing treatments, making this a widespread industry nationwide with substantial demand for waterproof membranes. Rubber powder is a key raw material in this technology, as waterproof membranes also fall under modified asphalt products.
Every time I change tires, I think about the great potential of the old ones. Recycling stations often collect used tires, turning them into rubber granules for playground tracks or gardening ground cover. If I do it myself, I first clean the old tires, cut them into small pieces, and make them into flower pots or swings for the kids—both practical and eco-friendly. Last year, I had a few old tires piled up in front of my house, and a neighbor borrowed them to decorate their yard, saving money on new materials. The key is not to discard them carelessly—it's such a waste to pollute the environment. City recycling points handle them for free, sometimes even offering small incentives like points for discounts on new tires. In the long run, promoting tire recycling programs can significantly reduce landfill waste and protect Earth's resources. I learned all this while participating in a local environmental initiative, and it’s truly worth it.
