In the global battle against climate change, national strategies emphasizing electric vehicles (i.e. mandates) and carbon capture often receive the most headline coverage. But an overlooked climate solution is one that has been hiding in plain sight across landfills nationwide: tire recycling.
Capitalizing on and properly managing the seemingly endless supply of scrap tires is critical. As we’ve covered, the improper disposal of used tires creates serious environmental hazards and contributes to harmful emissions.
But when tires are properly recycled through systems like Traxion’s Tire LifeCycle Network, they become powerful tools for climate revolution, reducing our carbon output, conserving (and generating) clean energy, and driving sustainability across various industries.
Here’s how tire recycling is mitigating climate change, and why we believe it deserves more attention:
Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
When scrap tires are landfilled or incinerated without proper oversight and control, they emit volatile organic compounds… predominantly harmful greenhouse gases. Tire fires, in particular, release toxic pollutants that can linger for weeks.
By contrast, recycling tires drastically reduces these emissions.
Recycling just one ton of used tires can conserve thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional disposal, all while protecting natural resources and reducing pollution.
Furthermore, recorded trapped gases like methane, the direct byproduct of landfilled tires, are significantly reduced.
Reduces the Demand for New Tire Manufacturing
New tire rubber and synthetic tire production require several potentially environmentally problematic components, including oil extraction and refining. By recycling and repurposing used tires, we reduce the demand for these energy-intensive raw materials.
Additionally, relying on a tire recycling infrastructure encourages regional tire material recovery, reducing the need for the long-haul transportation of materials. As a result, transportation-related emissions are reduced, and local economies are strengthened.
Supports Cleaner Energy Through Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF)
One of the most impactful benefits of tire recycling revolves around its ability to replace fossil fuel reliance with Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF) – a high-BTU alternative made by transforming shredded tire scraps into energy resources.
With a reported higher energy output than wood or coal, energy facilities require less volume (used tires) to produce the same or more energy output. In controlled environments, TDF has been proven to lower emissions compared to some of its fossil fuel counterparts.
Utilizing TDF allows industrial plants to gradually depart from the traditional fuels like coal or fuel oil, diversifying energy inputs through expansive and productive resources.
Aligns with Global Environmental Goals
Tire recycling doesn’t begin and end at the federal level, it directly supports broader international climate goals.
The United Nations announced 17 goals tracking 169 targets to tackle some of the most detrimental issues affecting civilization on a global scale. Tire recycling addresses at least three of these goals, by promoting “Responsible Consumption and Production,” addressing “Climate Action,” and investing in “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.”
On a corporate scale, many reputable corporations have adopted Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies aimed deliver net-zero carbon target goals.
Partnering with Traxion allows these companies – including S&P 500 companies – to put their vision to work, while supporting local, national, and regional waste diversion mandates.
Offers Second Life Applications
According to Scrap Tire News, recycled rubber requires up to 80% less energy than the manufacturing of new rubber from raw materials.
The derivatives of recycled used tires – crumb rubber and ground tire materials – offer tire materials a second life in applications including road materials, athletic tracks and playgrounds, and construction materials.
Each application replaces virgin materials – and their production – with a recycled, cleaner alternative.
Tire Recycling: Climate Action in Motion
Tire recycling is quickly proving to be a practical, scalable way to improve our approach to climate change. With proven infrastructure, measurable reductions in emissions, and observable economic benefits, tire recycling stands out as one of the most accessible climate solutions available.
At Traxion – where rubber meets regeneration – we’re committed to advancing climate-driven solutions.
Learn more about how we’re transforming tire waste into climate progress by visiting our Recycling page.