Tires are helpful when they are on cars, but when discarded in county dump sites, streets, and fields they become a threat to the environment. There are multiple ways to get rid of used tires other than putting them in landfills. Using tire crumb in ways which they replace virgin synthetic products is the key to this solution. Rubber rolls can be produced from used tires, and because tires are made to be wear and weather resistant their by-products will have the same features. These recycled rubber sheet and roll products can be cut down to other shapes and dimensions and used in industry, as a less expensive and effective substitute to virgin rubber products. Using a recycled rubber sheet for applications that require a tough and durable elastomer is a practical choice.

For example, recycled rubber strips can be used as edging or protective industrial pads both indoors and outdoors. Recycled rubber sheet products are an invaluable resource for American manufacturing, since this ultra durable US made product can fulfill their needs at a lower cost. Tires are one of the main products made from elastomers that can be reused and reclaimed. However, there is still a big need to recycle rubber tires since so many are left neglected. There are approximately 250 million tires sent to recycle yearly in the US. To help with the recycling and reclaiming process, here are a few ideas on what to do with those old, unwanted tires:

1. Rugs and Mats: Rubber is great to be remade as rugs and mats because it is durable. Some qualities of the eco-friendly elastomer are its ability to withstand high abrasive applications and its ability to be water resistance. They also exhibit excellent anti-slip qualities and can be left outdoors during rain or snow. When reclaimed mats are created, tire crumbs must be recycled, and metals and fibers must be removed from the crumb rubber. Using tires as a form of creating an entirely different eco-friendly product helps decrease tire waste and produces new creative products individuals can use.

2. Wallets and bags: Proof that elastomers can also be stylish, (rubber can be refashioned as wallets and bags) . A quick engine search for environmentally friendly accessories can easily give you examples of wallets and bags made from old tires. Who would have thought that saving the environment could produce fun accessories?

3. Protective Walls: We actually have had our recycled rubber sheet goods used as protective padding in America’s prisons. These resilient rubber pads help protect the walls from the inmates and the inmates from the walls.

4. Tire swings: Not only can tires be remade into playground mats, they can now be used as part of the playground as well. One sure way to recycle rubber tires is to make tire swings. Instead of having rubber shredded, take a whole tire, set it up as a swing, and swing away. Less work and more fun!

5. Kitchen Cabinets: Our products were used in 2008 as surfacing on kitchen cabinets in a modern home. The muted industrial black color offset the sleek and shiny metals used in the room.

6. Protective Pads: Rubber is often used to shield one hard surface from another and recycled rubber sheets are a great option when cost is a factor.

7. Industrial Seals: Recycled rubber sheets are available up to a 3/8” thickness and the they can be die-cut, waterjet cut or hand cut to any dimension effectively.

8. Gardening planters: We’ve seen tire crumb used as garden mulch but now tires can be used as planters (http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2011/11/14/25-items-made-from-reclaimed-recycled-tires/). As garden mulch, rubber is able to provide good insulation but still let water pass through. As a planter, tires are able to trap and keep in heat from the sun, helping plants flourish in the warmth.

9. Railroad ties: Pads made from recycled rubber tires are used beneath the tie plates of a railroad to protect the ties from wear and deterioration.

10. Playgrounds: Aside from playground tiles (which we will assume are not sheets) playgrounds have protective recycled rubber strips that keep the young away from hard and possibly sharp object.

The need to reclaim tires is very important and necessary for a better environment. Take a few creative folks and a few pieces of recycled rubber strips or blank recycled rubber sheets and create new products. Tires make up a big percentage of waste, which emphasize the need to recycle and reuse them in different ways and forms.