| Used tires create big problems for landfills. | | | | used tires. If they are in usable shape, but simply |
| Because of the materials they are made out of, | | | | need a patch, a junkyard might be willing to buy |
| which are intended to be very durable, they do | | | | them from you in order to repair and then resell |
| not decompose. They also take up a lot of space, | | | | them. In fact, you can actually make quite a bit of |
| but 75 percent of the space is 'void space,' or | | | | money selling used tires to the right junkyard if |
| useless space. Tires tend to pop to the surface | | | | you shop around to find one that will pay a |
| because they fill with methane gas, and this | | | | decent price. Some people have used this to bring |
| causes even more problems for the landfill | | | | in a secondary income for their families, placing |
| company. Tires in landfills are such a menace that | | | | ads in the local papers collecting other people's |
| 38 states have passed legislation banning used | | | | used tires for free, and then reselling them to a |
| tires from entering the landfills, and this creates | | | | local junkyard. |
| quite a problem for people who need to get rid of | | | | What do you need to know if you want to |
| them. If you have some tires that you need to | | | | pursue this option? Start by visiting area |
| dispose of, consider these options. | | | | junkyards and telling them about the tires that |
| Tire Recycling | | | | you have. Be sure to be completely honest about |
| Tire recycling is a good option for tires that have | | | | the condition, as this will dictate the price. See |
| no life left in them. Recycled tires can be turned | | | | what they will offer, and then try to negotiate a |
| into other useful products. For instance, shredded | | | | better price. In general, used tires should bring in |
| tires can be used as substrate for playgrounds in | | | | 25 to 50 percent of the actual retail value of a |
| lieu of woodchips or gravel, which can cause | | | | similar used tire. If you are not happy with the |
| injury. Steel mills can burn tires in order to replace | | | | price, shop around until you find a better one. |
| the carbon lost in steel manufacturing. Whole tires | | | | You can also check with local repair shops that sell |
| can be used as barriers or for erosion control. | | | | used tires. These places will likely only take the |
| Tires can even be stamped and cut to make | | | | tires if they are in good shape, but most repair |
| certain types of clothing, such as rubber sandals. | | | | shops know how to repair flat tires and make |
| One problem with tire recycling is that it is not | | | | them usable again. Before you begin negotiating a |
| always cheap. You will sometimes have to pay to | | | | price, visit the shop to find out what they typically |
| recycle tires, and if you are looking for a cheap | | | | sell a similar sized used tire for, and use that |
| way to get rid of your unwanted tires, you are | | | | number as your negotiating point. |
| going to be disappointed. However, before you | | | | Whatever you do with your used tires, do not |
| rule out this option, talk to your local recycling | | | | throw them in the garbage bin. This is against the |
| center to see what options in your area are | | | | law in many states, and is very hazardous for the |
| available. | | | | environment. Take some time to research your |
| Sell Your Used Tires | | | | options and find a safe, affordable way to dispose |
| Believe it or not, you might be able to sell your | | | | of the tires that will not add them to the landfill. |