"Innovations" Case Studies: New Uses for Old Tires

New Uses for Old Tires: Options to Reduce Waste & Stretch Public Works Dollars

Californians produce more than 30 million discarded tires annually, representing 1 percent of the municipal waste stream by weight. Another three million tires are exported from nearby states. Seventy-two percent of the 34 million tires are being diverted to end uses such as reuse, retread, crumb rubber, and energy recovery. The state must find end uses for the remaining 8 million tires, which are currently being stockpiled, illegally dumped, or shredded and landfilled.

Efforts to reduce tire disposal and increase recovery have been driven by two diversion mandates, the Integrated Waste Management Act and the Tire Recycling Act. State efforts to recover tires create an opportunity for local public works departments. New uses for old tires are providing creative ways to reduce waste, cut costs, and improve the quality and safety of public works projects. This model study presents a detailed analysis of two tire recycling options for local governments: rubberized asphalt (Los Angeles County), and civil engineering fill (the State of Maine).

Table of Contents

• Overview
• The Tire Recycling Process
• Supporting Tire Recycling Through Local Public Works Projects
• Costs, Economics, and Benefits
• Local Government Challenges and Opportunities
• Case Studies
• For More Information

Summary of this publication | Download this publication

Credits and Disclaimer

Rick Best and Johnnie P. Carlson II of the Californians Against Waste Foundation prepared this study pursuant to contract IWM-C8028 ($198,633, included other services) with the University of California at Santa Cruz for a series of 24 studies and summaries.

The statements and conclusions in this summary are those of the contractor and not necessarily those of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), its employees, or the State of California. In addition, the data in this report was provided by local sources but not independently verified. The State and its contractors make no warranty, express or implied, and assume no liability for the information contained in this text. Any mention of commercial products, companies, or processes shall not be construed as an endorsement of such products or processes.

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