Approximately 262 million waste tires were generated in the United States during 2007 according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Diverting these tires to recycling facilities helps reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Recycled tires are shredded or ground to form small rubber particles that can be used in a variety of consumer products. As technology improves, the uses for recycled rubber is expected to grow.
Building Materials
Recycled rubber can be used in a number of building and construction materials. According to the Transportation Research Board, recycled tires can be ground down and used in asphalt paving projects. Essentially, cars with rubber tires can drive on surfaces made using the same materials. Recycled rubber can also take the place of gravel to serve as an aggregate base in concrete. Rubber-based concrete may be used to build walls, floors, foundations, driveways and sidewalks.
Rubber tires and other products can be recycled to form roof tiles or shingles. These shingles take the place of traditional asphalt shingles on the home, and can also serve as a form of exterior siding in some applications. Some commercial buildings may use flat roofs that contain recycled rubber. Buildings with flat roofs may also feature recycled rubber pads to protect the roofing membrane during maintenance and installation of rooftop equipment.
Flooring
Recycled rubber floors can be found in fitness centers, dance studios and day care centers. Ice skating rinks use these floors to protect skate blades while patrons travel to and from the ice. Veterinary and equestrian centers may install recycled rubber flooring to provide a comfortable surface that's easy to clean or maintain.
Many traditional floors made from wood or carpet contain a recycled rubber underlayment. The underlayment acts as an acoustical barrier to reduce sound transmission, and also makes the floor more comfortable to walk on in many instances.
Some popular big-box retailers sell recycled rubber entrance mats for the home along with floor mats that can serve as a play area for children.
Apparel
The Timberland Corporation has introduced recycled rubber soles on many of its popular shoes and boots, according to a 2009 article in The New York Times. Other companies use recycled rubber to manufacture sandals or other types of footwear.
Recycled rubber can also be found in belts, handbags, wallets and even some lines of clothing or novelty wear.
Landscaping
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that landscaping use alone could take up enough recycled rubber to divert all tires in the United States from landfills. Shredded rubber serves as an eco-friendly mulch in planting beds, "rail trails," golf courses and sports fields. It's also a popular replacement for mulch at playgrounds and other kid-friendly areas. According to the University of Massachusetts, recycled rubber serves as a light-fill material to control erosion and support roadways or other structures.
References
- University of Massachusetts: Environmental Impacts of Recycled Rubber in Light Fill Applications:
- Environmental Protection Agency: Recycled Rubber Products in Landscaping Applications
- Transportation Research Board: Uses of Recycled Rubber Tires in Highways
- Rubber Manufacturers Association: Recycled Rubber Products Catalog
- RB Rubber Products: Product Lines
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