How Does a Tire Recycling Business Work?

Tire recycling is an environmentally-friendly way to go about using a product that already exists to make new products, rather than harvesting fresh materials for the job.  There are a number of different ways that tire recycling businesses go about collecting and processing used tires for this type of effort, ranging from recapping the tires for additional use to shredding tires for use as building materials.

• Determine the collection process.  Some recyclers will require that the tired be transported to a central location, where they can then be processed for further use.  Other businesses will collect the tires from residences and other businesses, picking up the tires by appointment.


• Consider the method of payment.  Some tire recycling businesses compensate contributors based on the weight of the tires that are turned in for recycling, paying a fixed amount per pound.  Others will pay a set rate per tire, based on the condition of the tire itself.  Still others do not offer any type of payment, but will provide a donation receipt that can sometimes be used to qualify for some sort of tax benefit.


• Think in terms of what will be done with the tires.  Some recycling businesses focus on a single method or recycling old tires, such as resurfacing or recapping them for sale.  Others may pursue several different modes of recycling, including chipping or shredding the tires and selling the product for use in creating brand new tires or other rubber products.  Some simply collect the tires and sell them to a company that uses the materials to create new products. Most recyclers are happy to provide information on how they process the used tires and what types of new products can be made from the materials.


• Ask about documentation.  Most tire recycling businesses keep meticulous records of where they buy the used tires, and how much they pay for them.  In addition, many will provide the sellers with receipts that can be used for tax purposes, a benefit that can come in handy when the local, state, or national tax agency provides some sort of benefit of deduction for contributing old tires for recycling.