Can tyres be recycled? And who collects them from your home?

Fuel economy is a big focus of modern environmental concern, but cars actually leave behind a hidden footprint that’s not often considered.

Tyres need to be replaced once the tread depth falls below 1.6mm, and that means getting rid of the old ones in a legal, sustainable way.

But can you recycle tyres? Will the local authority collect them from your home? And what are some sustainable alternatives to tyre disposal?

Are tyres recyclable?

The short answer is yes. Tyres are not just recyclable, they’re a source of valuable materials that can be reintroduced into the circular economy. Recycling tyres helps to reduce the amount of waste in landfills, conserve natural resources, and minimise pollution.

But tyres are made from a complex blend of materials, including rubber (both natural and synthetic), steel wire, and fabric. This composition makes them durable and able to withstand thousands of miles of road use. It also makes them challenging to recycle.

MORE: What does recycling become once it’s been sorted at SunSkips?

How are tyres recycled in the UK?

The process starts with the collection and transportation of used tyres to recycling facilities.

Here, tyres are shredded into smaller pieces, a process that separates the rubber from the steel and fibre. The end products are crumb rubber, mulch, metal and fabric scraps.

Rubber crumb and mulch is a popular choice for landscaping and playground surfaces because it’s durable and provides good shock absorption. It can also be used to create new, sustainable tyres.

Rubber from tyres can be mixed with asphalt to create road surfaces. This rubberized asphalt is more durable and provides a smoother ride than traditional asphalt.

Recycled rubber is used in the manufacture of various construction materials, such as rubber mats, flooring, roofing and insulation.

Tyres can also be processed into tyre-derived fuel (TDF). TDF is used as a cleaner alternative to coal in certain industrial applications.

MORE: SunSkips gets a tour of Suffolk’s energy-from-waste plant

The steel and fibre extracted during the recycling process don’t get left behind either. They’re repurposed in various industries, from construction to manufacturing.

How do UK drivers recycle tyres?

Due to their composition and potential environmental impact, tyres cannot simply be thrown into a skip.

If a garage is fitting new tyres on your car, they should dispose of your old tyres for you. Or if you’re buying new tyres to change by yourself, you can often find tyre companies that are willing to dispose of them for you for a fee.

There are also a few HWRCs (household waste recycling centres) in the Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire area that allow residents to bring tyres for recycling, including:

• Royston
• Saffron Walden
• Thetford

For a tyre collection service that you can be sure is eco-friendly, look no further than SunSkips. SunEnviro’s sustainable skip hire company offers a hassle-free tyre collection service across the East of England.

By choosing SunSkips for your tyre recycling, you’re not just getting rid of old rubber; you’re contributing to a greener road forward.

MORE: What can’t you put in a skip?: A UK skip hire guide

While there are some waste types that are banned from skip bins, SunSkips offers solutions for all waste types, no matter how specialised. Call our friendly team of experts for a quote on your used tyre collection.