what can old car tyres be used for

[AubreyRose]

Old car tires can be repurposed in numerous practical and creative ways, from DIY projects like garden planters and outdoor furniture to industrial applications such as crumb rubber for playground surfaces and athletic tracks. The most common and environmentally responsible destination is tire-derived fuel (TDF), which is used to power industrial facilities. However, the best use often depends on the tire's condition and local recycling facilities.

The most significant environmental benefit comes from large-scale recycling. Ground rubber from tires is a valuable material. It's mixed with asphalt to create rubberized asphalt, which leads to more durable, quieter roads. It's also the primary component for the soft, shock-absorbing surfaces found on playgrounds and running tracks, enhancing safety.

For the average person, simple DIY projects are a great way to give a single old tire a new life. A tire can be cleaned, painted, and filled with soil to become a durable garden planter. With some creativity, it can be transformed into an outdoor ottoman or a classic backyard swing. For a more rugged use, you can build a tire obstacle for off-road training or fitness routines.

It's critical to note that burning tires in the open is illegal in most areas and releases harmful pollutants. Always check with your local waste management authority for proper disposal or recycling options. Many areas have dedicated tire collection events or drop-off locations to ensure they are processed responsibly.

Repurposing Method	Description/Uses	Percentage of Scrap Tires Used (US Approx.)	Key Benefit
Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF)	Shredded tires used as fuel in cement kilns, pulp/paper mills.	40%	Reduces use of fossil fuels; high energy value.
Ground Rubber	Crumb rubber used in playground surfacing, athletic tracks.	25%	Creates safer, more resilient surfaces.
Rubberized Asphalt	Crumb rubber mixed with asphalt for road construction.	5%	Quieter, longer-lasting roads; reduces road spray.
Civil Engineering	Shredded tires used in landfill drainage layers, septic drain fields.	8%	Lightweight, free-draining backfill material.
Export/Other Uses	Sent overseas for reuse or other applications.	12%	Extends product life cycle in other markets.
Landfill/Stockpile	Illegally dumped or placed in monitored landfills.	10% (and declining)	-

[Petunia]

Honestly, I just get creative with mine. I cleaned one up, gave it a bright blue paint job, and now it's a fantastic flower planter in my backyard. My neighbor turned a couple into a cool little obstacle course for his kids. If you're not into DIY, don't just trash it. Most auto shops or tire retailers will take your old ones for a small fee when you buy new ones. They make sure it gets to a recycler. It's way better than having it sit in a landfill.

[LoganAnn]

In construction and landscaping, we use shredded tires for lightweight backfill behind retaining walls. It's great because it drains water so well and doesn't put as much pressure on the wall. I've also seen them used as crash barriers on racetracks. On a bigger scale, they get ground down into a crumb-like material. That stuff gets mixed into the rubber mats you see at playgrounds—the soft, bouncy surface that helps prevent injuries when kids fall.

[VonRonan]

Our community garden has a whole section where tires are the main feature. We use them as raised beds for vegetables—they're deep and hold heat well. We also painted a bunch in bright colors and stacked them to make a fun compost bin. It's a great way to reuse something that's otherwise hard to get rid of. Before you start, just give the tire a good scrub with soap and water to clean off any road grime.

[DelChase]

The big picture is that about 40% of scrap tires are burned as a fuel substitute in industrial settings like cement kilns. This process, while regulated, is controversial. Environmentally, the better path is material recovery. Grinding them into crumb rubber for new products is a more circular solution. It takes a lot of energy to make a new tire, so finding ways to reuse the material is key. Always dispose of them properly to avoid illegal dumping, which creates fire hazards and mosquito breeding grounds.