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| Where Do All Our Old Tires Go? |
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2003 there were approximately 275 million scrap tires in stockpiles in the United States alone1. With the vast amount of vehicles occupying today's roadway (around 247 million registered vehicles in 2005 in the U.S.2), finding efficient methods of disposing old tires is an important and ongoing issue.
The problem with tires is that they are not desired in landfills due to their large volume and durability. Health and safety risks are also of concern. Tire fires can occur easily creating pollution in not only the surrounding land, but air and water as well. They are among the largest and most problematic sources of waste.
Thankfully, several industries have found ways to recycle and use scrap tire waste to their advantage. As of 2003, markets existed for 80.4% of all scrap tires, or about 233 million tires per year3.
These markets include:
- Tire Derived Fuel 44.7% (130 million tires used)
- Civil Engineering Projects 19.4% (56 million tires used)
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- Ground Rubber turned into molded rubber products 7.8% (18 million tires used)
- Ground Rubber turned into rubber-modified asphalt 4.3% (12 million tires used)
- Exported 3.1% (9 million tires used)
- Cut / Stamped / Punched Products 2% (6.5 million tires used)
- Agriculture and Miscellaneous uses 1.7% (3 million tires used)
With growing concern for the environment and acceptance among consumers for environmentally-friendly products, scrap tire waste (among many other recyclable materials), is creating new and expanding markets.
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| A Perfect Solution: Bringing Old Tires Back to the Road |
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18 million tires are being recycled per year through the creation of molded rubber products. Tires are shredded into what they call ground or "crumb rubber" (also known as size-reduced rubber) and then mixed with an adhesive or binding ingredient to produce molded rubber products.
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The great thing about this technology is that it not only helps to recycle and eliminate millions of tires annually, products can be manufactured to fit various industries, some of which include: flooring, mats, playground surfaces, track and field footing, and road safety products.
GNR Technologies is one company in particular using such technology to create traffic safety solutions, bringing old tires back to the road. As a leading manufacturer of parking lot safety solutions, GNR's devices (speed bumps, speed humps, and parking bumpers) aim to provide safer roadways and are much more car-friendly than your typical asphalt or concrete alternative.
Although manufactured in Montreal, Canada, GNR's solutions use tires mainly derived from landfills in the United States. Every product produced helps to reduce 275 million scrap tires that would otherwise be sitting in landfills.
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Easy Rider Speed Bump
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Each 6' speed bump uses 5.1 tires and weighs only 51 lbs.
These lightweight, durable and flexible devices help slow vehicles in parking facilities. Since they are molded from rubber tires, each speed bump is produced to ensure a uniform and consistent profile with in-molded cat's eye reflectors and reflective marketing tape for great visibility. They can be easily stored or relocated to any roadway surface. |
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Safety Rider Mini Hump
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Each Safety Rider section uses 3.6 tires and weighs only 36 lbs.
The mini hump is constructed of interlocking units that can be linked to cover the width of any roadway. This device is ideal for areas where slow, continuous traffic is required. Unlike concrete or asphalt, these rubber mini humps are more car-friendly and require only 1 person for installation. |
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Park-It Car Stop
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Each 6' parking curb uses 3.4 tires and weighs only 34 lbs.
GNR's rubber car stops are extremely flexible conforming to the contour of any uneven road surface. Available in various sizes and colors, they can withstand extreme temperatures and are resistant to moisture, oil, and ultraviolet light. They will not break, crack, chip, or rot and stand only 4" tall - helping to prevent any potential damage to low-profile vehicles. |
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Help cleanup landfills and inquire about GNR's 100% recycled rubber traffic safety solutions. For more information or to place an order, please contact us by phone: 1-800-641-4143 or email: info@gnrtech.com |
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GNR Technologies
990 Upton
LaSalle, QC H8R 2T9 |
Phone: 1 (800) 641-4143
Email: info@gnrtech.com |
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