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Contact us to discuss your requirements of tire recycling machinery. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Frequent Questions

Answers to commonly asked questions about scrap tires are provided below. In many cases, links to additional information are also provided.

I have a few tires at home. How can I recycle them?

You may be able to return surplus tires to either a tire retailer or a local recycling facility that accepts tires. Be sure to confirm that the facility accepts tires for recycling and check for quantity and size limitations. Some local municipalities will also periodically conduct “tire amnesty days” when any local citizen can bring a limited number of tires to a drop-off site free of charge. For more information, or if you have large numbers of scrap tires, contact your local solid waste management agency.

What is the current status of tire recycling and disposal in the US*?

Number of scrap tires generated annually: 290 million Percentage of total solid waste generated: 2.0 percent Number of scrap tires going to a market: 233 million Number of scrap tires used for fuel: 130 million Number of scrap tires used in civil engineering projects: 56 million Number of scrap tires used in ground rubber applications: 28 million Number of scrap tires punched/stamped into new products: 7 million Number of tires exported: 9 million Number of tires in stockpiles: 265 million

* statistics, Rubber Manufacturers Association

More information on the current status of scrap tire management and recycling in the US

What do EPA and State and local governments do to ensure that tire incineration facilities are safe?

Facilities such as cement kilns, pulp and paper plants, and industrial and institutional boilers must be permitted, to ensure that any air emissions from these processes are within allowable limits.

Based on the results of EPA’s study on Air Emissions from Scrap Tire Combustion (PDF) (117 pp, 650K, about PDF), it was concluded that potential emissions from tire-derived fuel are often less and generally within the same range as emissions from conventional fossil fuels, as long as combustion occurs in a well-designed, operated, and well-maintained combustion device.

In general, results from 22 industrial facilities indicate that properly designed existing solid fuel combustors can supplement their normal fuels (e.g., coal, wood, and various combinations of coal, wood, oil, coke, and sludge) with 10 to 20% TDF and still satisfy environmental compliance air emissions limits.

What is the states’ experience with tire-derived fuel (TDF)?

Currently, more than 80 facilities in about 30 states incinerate scrap tire material for energy recovery. A total of 130 million scrap tires were used as tire-derived fuel (TDF) in , up from 25 million in . For more information on states’ experience with TDF, see Where You Live, the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association , and the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission .

I want to start a company to recycle or dispose of scrap tires. How do I get into the tire/rubber recycling business?

• Investigate your specific situation—local markets, local regulations, competition.
• Develop a business plan—be specific about details—match your plan against regulatory requirements, industry standards, and market conditions.
• Communicate with state and local regulatory agencies.

Contact your local small business assistance organization to help set up a business plan and learn about opportunities in your area.

Where can I get a grant or a loan for the purpose of starting a company to recycle or dispose of scrap tires?

The majority of funding for scrap tire management and recycling is at the state level. However, some Federal research funding is available. If you are planning to develop a new, innovative process, you may be able to obtain a grant from EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. To learn more about this program, visit the SBIR website.

State agencies provide the majority of funding for scrap tire management and clean-up. Contact your state agency for specific information on grant/funding opportunities.

Learn more about grants and loans.

What permits do I need to start a company to recycle or dispose of scrap tires?

Almost every state has developed a scrap tire program, including state scrap tire laws and regulations. Generally these state programs address scrap tire collection, storage, and processing. States may require manifests for scrap tire shipments or have permitting requirements for scrap tire handlers. Facilities incinerating scrap tires for energy must obtain appropriate permits as well, from state and/or local governments. More information about state scrap tire programs.

Check with your state and local regulatory agencies for specific requirements.

Learn more about tire laws.

What types of pollution results from tire fires?

Tire fires can result in air pollution, and in oily runoff that can contaminate soil, surface water, and groundwater. The oily material is also highly flammable. Tire fires result in thick smoke throughout the surrounding area which can contain pollutants harmful to human health including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, styrene, phenols, and butadiene. Tire fires also threaten nearby water supplies with harmful contaminants such as lead and arsenic contained in the oily runoff.

Learn more about tire fires.

What are the state regulations on scrap tires?

Each state develops its own scrap tire laws and regulations. These laws typically set the rules for scrap tire storage, collection, processing, and use. Consult EPA’s Quick Reference Guide to State Scrap Tire Programs (PDF) (53 pp, 262K, about PDF) which summarizes state scrap tire regulations and programs. Also contact state environmental regulatory agencies to learn more about scrap tire laws in your state.

Learn more about tire laws.

Learn more about innovative uses for scrap tires.

What is the status of scrap tire rubber being used in highways?

The use of ground rubber from scrap tires in highways is the largest single use of recycled rubber. Currently 12 million scrap tires per year are used in highways. Both the Federal Highway Administration and a number of state environmental and transportation departments have used and investigated rubberized asphalt for highways. Arizona has been a leader in this area, while California, Connecticut, New York, and Texas have also had positive experiences with rubberized asphalt. A recent study developed by the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA, ) showed that asphalt-rubber pavement has a lower life-cycle cost than conventional pavement.

Learn more about ground rubber applications.

Can scrap tires be recycled into new tires?

Rubber from scrap tires can be ground and reused as a low-volume filler material in a new tire. However, ground rubber use is generally a small percentage of new tires primarily due to product quality constraints.

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Maintain Proper Air Inflation!

This simple and inexpensive maintenance procedure allows tires to last much longer before they must be discarded. Maintaining proper air inflation also improves gas mileage and helps reduce auto emissions.

What can I do to help?

There are many things you can do to help recycle scrap tires and prevent them from ending up in the wrong places where they can do harm to the environment or to human health:

• Buy durable tires.
• Take proper care of tires by checking air inflation, driving in a manner that does not put unnecessary demand on tires, rotating the tires, balancing the wheels, and maintaining proper wheel alignment.
• Purchase used tires.
• Buy retreads.
• Support the recycled product market—look for products made with scrap tires/recycled rubber.

You can also—

Report Illegal Dumping

If you see illegal dumping taking place, copy the license place and make of the vehicle, the time, date, and place that the dumping took place. Call your local “crimestoppers” organization or your local law enforcement agency. You could also check the blue pages of your local directory, for specific litter prevention numbers.

Dispose of Tires Properly

There are several ways to dispose of used tires properly:

• Leave used tires with a reputable tire dealer-a fee is usually charged for this service.
• Bring used tires to a local tire collection event for disposal.
• Call your county or local solid waste transfer station/landfill and ask if they accept used tires.
• Contact your county or local recycling center and ask if they accept used tires.

Reduce Your Usage

If everyone helps out just a little, major progress can be made toward reducing the total amount of used tires generated. Things you can do to help include:

• Purchase tires with longer tread life.
• Rotate your tires every 4,000 miles.
• Balance your tires when you rotate them.
• Check for/inflate tires to recommended air pressure levels once a month or before every long trip.
• Use public transportation and carpool.

When tires are used in new products that come in contact with soil or water, do they pollute the environment?

There is no current evidence showing that products containing recycled rubber from scrap tires substantially increases the threat to human health and the environment as compared to the threats associated with conventional products.

Research has been conducted on the potential effect of using scrap tires in civil engineering applications/highway construction on groundwater quality. Some states require that tire shreds not be placed below the water table, to prevent potential water quality concerns.

What are the benefits of recycling scrap tires?

Preferred management methods for municipal solid waste are waste prevention, followed by recycling, followed by incineration for energy recovery, and finally land disposal. For tires, retreading is a form of waste prevention and saves valuable resources. Recycling also conserves materials. For example, the use of ground rubber in products and in rubberized asphalt saves new resources from being used. In cases like these, recycling makes good economic sense.

What are the benefits of incinerating scrap tires for energy recovery?

Incinerating tires for energy recovery utilizes scrap tires that might otherwise be landfilled, produces energy, and saves money as other fuels are replaced partially by scrap tires. This beneficial use has greatly increased in the last decade.

Tires produce the same amount of energy as oil and 25% more energy than coal. The oil equivalency of a passenger tire is 7 gallons and the heat content of shredded tires is 10 to 16% higher than that of coal. Tires have a high heating value—each pound of scrap tire rubber is equivalent to 15,000 BTUs of energy.

Learn more about tire derived fuel (TDF).

Why do I have to pay tire disposal fees? What is the money used for?

Many, but not all, states collect tire fees. In states where there are no tire fees, tire dealers, junk yards, etc. may charge customers for disposal (or may include the cost in the price of the tires purchased). In most states, the fees collected are dedicated to tire recycling and scrap tire cleanup, however, some states may use these funds for scrap tire management and market development. Other states use a portion of tire fees to fund other state projects.

Learn more about tire fees.

Does EPA certify tire recyclers?

States are responsible for permitting tire recyclers. Most transporters of scrap tires and storage facilities must be permitted by the states. Most states have requirements for those who are either transporting or storing scrap tires. In most cases, transporters are required by states to maintain records using a manifest system. EPA’s report, State Scrap Tire Programs – A Quick Reference Guide (PDF) (53 pp, 262K, about PDF), provides a summary of permitting and recordkeeping requirements.

Learn more about state tire laws.

Does EPA certify products with recycled tire content?

EPA does not certify products made with recycled tire content. Consult independent, non-profit organizations such as Green Seal who certify and/or recommend products that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion. Green Seal provides objective and unbiased information to direct the purchaser to environmentally responsible products and services.

The EPA has developed Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for designated products, with accompanying recycled-content recommendations. EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) website includes an online searchable database of environmental information for environmentally preferable products including tires and products made from recycled tires.

EPA has no financial interest in the products that it mentions, nor in any manufacturer or company.

Is there a risk to human health from tire piles?

Disease carrying pests such rodents can inhabit tire piles. Mosquitoes can also breed in the stagnant water that collects inside tires. Several varieties of mosquitoes can carry deadly diseases, including encephalitis and dengue fever.

Tire fires also release thick black smoke and air pollutants, and ground and surface water pollution that can be harmful to human health and the environment.

What products are made from tires?

Numerous products can be made with scrap tires. Scrap tires may be cut, punched, and stamped into various rubber products after removal of the steel bead. Products include floor mats, belts, gaskets, shoe soles, dock bumpers, seals, muffler hangers, shims, and washers.

Whole tires also have uses as highway crash barriers and for boat bumpers on marine docks.

Shredded tires may be used in many different types of applications.

The three primary scrap tire markets are:

Learn more about innovative uses for scrap tires.

What can you tell me about pyrolysis?

Pyrolysis is a process in which tires can be subjected to high heat, under controlled conditions, resulting in steel, oil, and carbon black. Although it has been shown repeatedly to be scientifically possible, economically and practically it has not proven to be a viable process. High capital investment and operating costs typically inhibit tire pyrolysis from being made commercially available.

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Are you interested in investing in a tire recycling machine? Do you have a business, or an idea for one, that could make use of recycled tire products? Are you currently purchasing recycled tire products from other sources and considering taking in the recycling process in-house? Does your operation produce a large volume of used tires that could potentially be recycled and given new life?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you&#;ve come to the right place. Eco Green is one of the leaders in producing high quality, efficient tire recycling machines and systems.

Like so many other things, used tires are a product whose material is wasted if not effectively reused. For many years individuals and enterprises alike have recognized the value of reusing tires and tire material byproducts as a way to reduce costs and eliminate needless waste.

Of course, the demand for a way to develop a cost effective process for reusing tires demanded the development of the tire recycling machine and there are now a vast array of tire recycling machines available on the market. Each tire recycling machine handles one or more pieces of the process and which one makes the most sense for your company will depend on your proposed use of recycled tires.

Why are Tire Recycling Machines Important?

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The first thing that leaps to most people&#;s minds whenever they hear the word &#;recycling&#; is that it&#;s good for the environment. While this is not the only reason tire recycling machines are important it certainly is a big one, so let&#;s address it first.

Environmental Reasons to Recycle Tires

Every year thousands upon thousands of tires wear out and are replaced. Have you ever considered the staggering amount of space all those tires would take up if place in a landfill? The next time you are sitting in traffic stop and take a look around you at all the cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Then imagine removing the tires from each and placing them in a giant pit in the ground. That&#;s a big pit, isnt it? Now consider that what you&#;ve just imagined is the tiniest fraction of the true number of tires used annually. That visual places tire recycling in a whole new perspective, doesn&#;t it?

So, keeping tires out of landfills is good for the environment and helps us deal with our problems rather than just burying them, but is that the only environmental ramification? No. Let&#;s try another exercise. Think of a bald tire, the baldest tires you&#;ve ever seen in your life. It is old, worn out, and unsafe. Every bit of tread has been ground away under the relentless pounding of the street. But what percentage of total material used to create that tire is in the tread? 10%? Maybe 15%? Whatever the exact number is, the lion&#;s share of the tire is still good, usable material.

Turning all that good material into something new is obviously a good thing, but can we take it even further? What about all the time, money, and manpower that went into making the tire in the first place? To make that tire natural and synthetic rubber had to be produced, fibers prepared, and steel acquired. If we simply throw away the tire all of the effort initially put into the tires is wasted. If we recycle the tire we save the material, but we also extend the value of the original investment required to make the tire in the first place.

Looking at it this way, it is easy to see that throwing away tires, or any manufactured product, is a profound waste on many levels. But what about business reasons to recycle tires, or even purchase a tire recycling machine? What about hard dollars and cents, reasons that address the almighty and all important bottom line?

Business Reasons for Tire Recycling

First, the development of effective tire recycling machines and methodologies has made life easier for companies who routinely use a large number of tires. In the past, and even sometimes today, parking lots, warehouses, and other commercial or industrial spaces would have huge stacks or piles of worn out tires just sitting around, waiting to be disposed of. But how long must something await disposal if there is now disposal method available? A long time.

For companies like this the simple fact that they can now be rid of a waste product is a huge advantage. Beyond that, they are able to recoup some of their investment. When you&#;re spending millions on tires each year, getting even a little for your waste is a terrific bonus. So there is a legitimate financial incentive for companies to make used tires available for companies specializing in tire recycling.

A big issue we have not yet considered is the large number of recycled tire products that can be produced and their myriad uses. In many instances a recycled tire product can be obtained at a lower price than the alternative and can help many processes reduce costs. Also, recycled rubber products can be used to replace other materials and last far longer. A fairly visible and obvious example of this is rubber mulch for playgrounds which is far more durable than traditional mulch or wood chips. Another is the rubber materials used for sporting fields. Using recycled rubber in them creates a cost effective and highly durable material that will stand up to heavy abuse.

Countless other processes that use synthetic or natural rubber can replace old sources of materials with recycled tires. Again, this extends the working life of the material originally used to make the tire and saves money around the board.

All of this together has also pushed the development and innovation of tire recycling machines forward. With all these incentives to be rid of old, worn out tires and so many uses for recycled tire products, there is a financial incentive to streamline and make the process more cost effective and efficient.

Types of Tire Recycling Machines

At Eco Green Equipment our products can be generally divided into three major categories of tire recycling machines:

• Shredding & Grinding

• Material Handling

• Recycling Systems

Depending on what type of material you intend to process, or where your operation lies in the product cycle, you may be interested in one or more of our products.

Tire Shredding and Grinding Machines

Our shredding and grinding tire recycling machines can produce four different levels of rubber.

Tire derived shreds (TDS) are the largest and first level of rubber cuts produced from old tires. Depending on your need these shreds can be recirculated through the shredding machine or further processed into smaller pieces.

We offer three different models of tire recycling machines that produce TDS. Detailed information about each model of TDS shredder can be found on our main TDS (Tire Derived Shreds) page.

Wire-free chip is produced by using a secondary shredding machine. Standard TDS contains steel, as well as fiber and rubber, which makes it unsuitable for some applications.

We currently offer one tire recycling machine dedicated to removing steel wire from tire shreds. This is accomplished through a wire cleaning/magnet removal process which results in a 99.9% wire-free product. Detailed information about our wire-free chip shredder can be found on this wire-free chip tire recycling page.

Crumb rubber is the third level of processing that our tire recycling machines can produce. It removes all steel and fiber and produces a small, uniform granule of rubber used in landscaping, athletic fields, engineering, and other applications. We offer three crumb rubber processing models, details can be found on our main crumb rubber page.

Rubber powder is the final stage of ambient rubber tire recycling. Due to its exceedingly small size it can be used for wide range of products and incorporated into coatings, asphalt, polymers, and finished products. We offer one rubber powder system, details can be found on our rubber powder page.

Tire Recycling Material Handling Machines

An essential component of any large or small process is material handling, moving product from one stage or station to another.

Material handling can be broken down into three major categories: conveying equipment, separation equipment, and controls and monitoring.

Tire Recycling Conveying Equipment

We understand that every system and process is different, so we offer a solution that will integrate seamlessly with whatever type of equipment you currently have. We offer:

Our sales team can help you determine which type of recycled tire conveying equipment will best suit your operation, location, and budget. Further details can be found on our tire recycling machine conveying equipment page.

Tire Recycling Separation Equipment

The type of separation equipment you require depends on the type of process you are doing, the type of recycled rubber you aim to produce, and many other factors. We currently offer:

Additional details regarding the type of equipment we offer are available on our tire recycling separation equipment page.

Tire Recycling Machine Monitoring Equipment

Our equipment monitoring module is the Eco Brain Control Panel. It allows you to monitor each process and each piece of equipment, regardless of your specific configuration, all in real time. It also grants you the ability to measure output and easily make system adjustments.

Visit this page for details about our ECO Brain module.

Why Choose Eco Green Tire Recycling Machines?

The purchase of any type of tire recycling machine is a large investment and should be taken seriously. You want a product that is going to perform the job you need, the way you want it, and to function flawlessly for many years to come. With all the information available on the internet and through other sources it is easy to do research into these products on your own, and that&#;s absolutely the smart thing to do. But eventually you will need to speak with a professional in the industry to put the finishing touches on your decision and your investment.

Eco Green is committed to innovating and improving upon existing technology and making your process even more efficient. Our job is not only to understand what you need and how you want to accomplish that, but also to advise you on secondary recycled rubber markets so that you can face the marketplace with every piece of information you will need to be successful.

One of the things that set&#;s us apart is that we are not simply a retailer of tire recycling machines. We have a dedicated design and engineering team who develop our products in-house with end user experience in mind. Our manufacturing and fabrication team are also located in-house where they focus on constructing the finest products possible. You can even come to take a tour of our manufacturing facility to see the team in action!

Our marketing and sales team works closely with design and fabrication so they have an in-depth understanding of all products. They are equipped to answer any question you might have about our products and the tire recycling industry and market at large.

Contact Eco Green about Tire Recycling Machines

Our team is here to help you make the best investment possible in a tire recycling machine. Contact us through the website, use the live chat feature, or call us at (801) 505- or (801) 438- for US sales. We are available worldwide to answer your questions and provide the highest level of customer service in the tire recycling machine industry.

For more shredder portableinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.