Why Should I Recycle My Junk Tires?

Scrap tires not only waste landfill space (estimated over 275 million scrap tires in landfills across the US ), but also can contaminate groundwater, decrease property value and provide breeding grounds for mosquito-borne diseases.  Over 25,000 mosquitoes can grown in one scrap tire over the summer.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that over 290 million scrap tires are generated each year.

The good news is that more than 80% of those scrap tires are being reused as engineering fill, playground and landscape mulch, athletic surfaces, asphalt and fuel for industrial boilers and furnaces.

Everyone can do their part by recycling their old tires.  Be sure, however, to bring the tires to a reputable tire dealer to ensure that they are properly and legally handled.  Scrap tires should never be burned as this releases toxic chemicals into the air.  These chemicals them come back down to the earth and get into our soil and water supplies. 

In most states (including New Hampshire) it is illegal to improperly dispose of scrap tires.  If you see someone illegally dumping tires you should take notice and alert the local authorities.  Our world today is our children's world tomorrow and we can all do our part to make it a better place.