Do you have a used tire and don't know what to do with it? Believe it or not, tires can be recycled and used in a variety of ways. But before they can get recycled, reused, or properly disposed of, they need some preparation. One way to do so is by cutting them up. We did some research and here's what we found out.
When you have a tire that you need to discard, the best way to do it is by cutting it up into small pieces. You can either quarter the tire, or cut it out circumferentially before putting it in a landfill. In order to do this, you need some cutting tools and equipment.
Cutting tires for disposal makes it much easier to transport and it will take up less space. In this blog post, we will show you how to cut tires for disposal in a safe and effective manner. And, we'll answer related questions. Keep reading to learn more!
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Tire cutting is breaking down a tire into smaller pieces for easier transportation and processing. With the right tools and some careful planning, cutting tires for disposal is a breeze.
When cutting a tire, safety is essential. Here are some precautions you should take before and during the process:
Now that you know what safety precautions to take, let's move on to the tire cutting process.
But one last reminder. Cutting tires may look easy, but it is a difficult task that requires strength and focus to avoid accidents and mishaps.
This is the first step prior to the actual cutting part. Make sure that there are no valve stems or caps left on the tire.
Once cut, you can take tires to the following for proper disposal and recycling:
If you don't want to cut up your old tires, you can always recycle them or use them for other house projects.
Here are some reasons recycling tires is important:
You can recycle or repurpose old tires in different ways. We've listed some of them:
There are many ways you can use whole tires for your home:
Here's how you can turn your old tire into a swing for your kids, or even for yourself.
Position your tire where you want it in your yard or maybe even inside your house.
Then fill it with some stones and soil, and you have a brand new planter.
Get creative with an old tire by spray painting it, then letting it dry. Put some old blankets to make your pet comfortable in its new tire bed.
If you have enough tires, you can use them to create a garden project. Arrange the tires to add some height and levels in your yard.
Old tires can give your driveways and pavements a new look and can even save you money! It might take you some time to do it, but it will be worth it in the end.
First, stack 2 to 3 tires together. Then, place a trash bag inside the stack to contain your garbage.
If you're creative and resourceful enough, you can do the following projects with your rubber scraps. You'll just need a few other materials.
Cut the tires into shapes that you like.
With a little preparation and glue, you'll end up with brand new floors made from your old tires.
Do you have a knack for arts and creativity? You can also turn your old tires into a masterpiece!
Have your tires shredded into smaller pieces. Lay them in your garden area where desired.
We can recycle tires in more than several ways. They are useful as new tires, playground surfaces, and even furniture. So, the next time you have an old tire that needs discarding, remember that recycling is the best option!
Thick black smoke released from burning tires can stay in the air for long periods of time. This contributes to global warming, so avoid burning tires.
Small particles inhaled from burned tires are also dangerous to your health. They can lead to asthma attacks, acute respiratory symptoms, and put children, elderly adults, and pregnant women at risk.
It can take anywhere from 50 to 80 years for a tire to decompose.
But the fact is, it will take almost 2000 years for tires to revert back to nature. Therefore, it's so important to recycle or dispose of tires properly.
Depending on how often you drive and the type of roads you travel on will impact how often you need to change your tires. Typically, you'll change your car's tires every 3 to 5 years.
Cutting tires for disposal is a safe and effective way to recycle or dispose of used tires. Ensure that you properly prepare tires for recycling and disposal by following the steps above. Thanks for reading!
We hope this blog post was helpful! Feel free to share this with your friends who may have some old tires and don't know what to do with them.
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Last Updated November 11, 2022
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Whether for proper tire disposal or for recycling into ornamental, farming, or gardening purposes, cutting tires in half is the most sensible thing to do with your old, scrap tires. However, tires are built with durable rubber to withstand extreme abuse and are wrapped inside with high-tensile metal belts, so you’ll need to be equipped with the right tools to get through them.
To cut tires in half, you can opt to choose between two easy-to-follow processes: First is by removing the sidewall with a knife or any sharp and pointed tool through the seam found in the sidewall just below the tread. The second is to reduce them into more manageable pieces with the use of power tools such as a jigsaw, circular saw, or Dremel tool equipped with metal cutting blades.
What's In This Guide?
Before you proceed with cutting tires, you must first check with your community if there are specific regulations on tire handling and proper disposal.
Because tires are made with man-made rubber, they are non-biodegradable and their chemical composition can seep into the ground. That is why some local ordinances are very specific on this aspect.
Since scrap tires or old tires are considered solid wastes, they are regulated primarily by state governments. As of writing, there are already 48 states that have specific laws or regulations in dealing with scrap tires management. While each state’s program is unique, proper delegation on handling, disposal, and recycling are the common themes.
Proper disposalIf you will cut tires just to easily dispose of them, without the consideration of reusing or recycling, you should also consider your local or municipal regulations. Some municipal ordinances have tire disposal guide requirements. For example, some specific guidelines mention that tires should be cut into a minimum of two pieces.
SafetyWhen cutting tires in half, you’ll be dealing with sharp and pointed tools for piercing through the sidewall and/or cutting through the tires’ tread.
That is why safety must be observed at all times, keeping the tools away from the body is a good start.
Additionally, rubber fragments left after cutting tires vary in size, from considerable chunks to clouds of dust. This may have a chance to go through your nose or eyes which will cause irritation. On the other hand, the emitted fumes which resemble burning rubber can be toxic at moderate levels. Lastly, the exposed portion of steel belts is very sharp, so take extra precaution when handling cut tires.
How to Cut Tires In Half Method 1: Without The Use of Power ToolsTools you’ll need:The ‘sweet spot’ of the sidewall is the softer and smoother part about one inch near the tread. This is the weakest point in the tires with virtually no reinforced belts.
Having said that, avoid cutting too close to the tread nor too close to the rim as these portions are saturated with steel belts.
To do this, strike the sidewall with the tip of the blade forcefully. If you’re having trouble, or unsure that the blade will just slide through, an awl, ice pick, or any similar pointed tool will help.
Step 2: Secure the tire to prevent it from rockingThe tire will likely roll or move while you’re slicing through the sidewall. To prevent this from happening, lay the tire flat on the ground, then step on the opposite section of the tire, away from where you are cutting. Another way is to keep the tire upright, locking your foot or thighs to prevent it from rolling. However, you should practice extra caution in this position and make sure that you are cutting in the direction away from your body.
Step 3: Cut through with a sawing motionYou can gain momentum if you are cutting with a sawing motion. Some tires have seams running through the sidewall, one near the tread and another near the rim.
Make use of them as your guide while cutting through. When cutting along the sidewall, there will be a point that the blade will be harder to cut through the rubber. This is naturally brought about by friction, you can spray the blade with a lubricant and you’ll immediately notice the difference.
Wooden dowels keep the cut area open, making it easier to cut through the rubber. These dowels pry apart the rubber on both sides, preventing the blade from being stuck.
Step 5: Continue cutting until the sidewall detachesIf you’re already halfway through, rotate the tire a little half to get a new position to continue. This will make the process easier. You can also use your free hand to pull the other side of the sidewall to help you slice through.
How to Cut Tires In Half Method 2: Slicing into Small PiecesTools you’ll need:Cutting tires with power saws will leave behind lots of rubber and metal fragments, not to mention the fumes cut tire will emit during the process.
Work in a secured location with proper tools and equipment to promote a safe, efficient, and neat tire cutting activity. If you will be working outside with no power outlets available, ensure that the extension cord you are using is rated for high-voltage applications.
Any tire, regardless of its size, is stuffed with high-strength steel belts, with larger tires equipped with more reinforced steel. This is why it is necessary that the blade you’re using has the capability to cut through metal. Ferrous-metal cutting blades or metal grinding wheels will safely and efficiently do the task.
Also, wear your personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and a dust mask. The use of protective arm sleeves and gloves is also recommended to protect your limbs against metal shards flying out of the tire.
Step 3: Cut widthwise through one sideAs your tire is laid flat on its side, press the blade laterally across the sidewall, working your way slowly from the tire’s inner lip to the edge of the tread.
Keep in mind that the innermost tough part of the tire, called a bead, has a bundle of high-tensile steel wires wound into a rubber band. You may feel a slight resistance on this part but there’s nothing to worry about if you’re using the right type of blade.
Step 4: Complete the cut from the opposite sideFlip the tire over to cut on the second side, applying the same trick done in Step 3. Then, cut across the tread to completely separate each end of the tire. Next, turn the tire 180-degrees and repeat the process to have a tire neatly divided in half.
This technique will save you a significant amount of time and energy as cutting this way reduces strain brought by the resistance of inner steel belts holding the tire together.
Step 5: Continue cutting in halvesLike slicing a pie, continue cutting each pair of the tire equally into smaller sections until you’ve reduced it to quarters or eights. As the pieces become smaller, they’ll be prone to moving and sliding due to the reduced weight, keeping them in place with a vise or similar clamping tool will help.
Tire cutting, if not planned correctly, will entail additional yet unnecessary time, not to mention the extra effort that can be prevented in the first place. There are a few recommendations to consider such as starting the cutting process by piercing the sidewall with a pointed tool instead of the same cutting tool and avoiding cutting directly through steel belts manually.
Make a strong start by piercing a hole in the sidewall with a pointed toolUse an awl, ice pick, or any similar tool that can be used for poking into the tire. This way, you’ll reduce the pressure you’ll exert into striking the tire if you will be using a knife or box cutter.
Cutting directly through steel belts is time-wasting if done manuallyUnless you’re using a power tool, cutting directly through steel belts by hand requires too much effort, let alone your tool could dull or get damaged blades.
Leave the cutting of tread and bead to a jigsaw, circular saw, or Dremel tool.
If you will be working with car tires, the process will be the same regardless of the size, as you will deal with the same steel reinforcements. If you don’t have any power tools in hand, you can use a good old hacksaw or a big pair of steel shears, though be prepared for a more tedious task, you’ll probably hurt your hands too.
Can I cut a tire off a rim?Yes, it is possible. In fact, with the right angle, you can cut through easily and as close as possible to the rim. However, the challenge is to keep the angle of the blade correct, as you don’t want the blade hitting the rim.
ConclusionThe tire cutting process may look intimidating at first. This thought may be brought about by the use of high-powered tools and patient dealings with tough tire rubber materials.
However, if done correctly, and equipped with the right tools and equipment, you can get through with this process with ease. Just remember to put your safety first at all times.
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Old tractor tires are a valuable resource for a dacha or a private house, they can also be used in the garage. Rubber recycling in our country is poorly developed, so you have to come up with different ideas on how to give a "second life" to used products. Having chosen new tires for the Kirovets tractor or models for other special equipment, the owners sometimes do not want to throw away the old ones. They can be found quite worthy and useful application.
But it's not enough just to find a use for used tires, the most difficult thing is to cut them. Massive and thick products are difficult to perform in such procedures, so manual labor is very exhausting, and hard rubber with a steel cord can be too tough for a power tool.
In this article we will talk about popular methods - how and with what to cut a tractor tire.
This tool is suitable for cutting small tractor tires - for example, front wheels from MTZ. If you work with an old-style tire that does not have a metal cord, you can cut along any path, you just need to mark it. In the presence of a steel frame with a knife, you can divide the product in half, while cutting should be parallel to the direction of the rods.
It is better to choose a tool with a moderately thin blade, ideally 1 mm, maximum 3 mm. In this case, the metal must be hardened, not bend under loads. If you work with a “raw” sharpening, it will not only bend, but the blade will become dull rather quickly.
Instructions - work better with a partner:
Not recommended to rush, be careful. The knife will “get stuck” in the material and, with a sharp movement, the blade may come off on the hand. You should also prepare for the fact that the tool will have to be sharpened several times during the procedure.
The most effective way is to cut the angle grinder (grinder). The advantage is that this tool can work with both rubber and metal cord, which is present in new models. Accordingly, the possibilities are expanding: cutting not only straight seams, but also zigzag and with a different trajectory.
For cutting metal discs are suitable, but thin - 0.8-1 mm thick. Work is best done outside, as the tractor's rubber will smoke and smell strongly. You should also get personal protective equipment in the form of gloves and goggles.
Recommendations for the execution of work:
An electric jigsaw is also suitable for a tractor tire, but it can only make cuts parallel to the direction of the cord. To do this, you need to know the type of tire and correctly guide the blade. If you make a mistake and allow the teeth of the tool to contact the metal, it may bend or break. Better glide will also provide motor or any other engine oil.
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Video: Recycling tires into fuel in the Crimea. Utilization of tires into fuel in the Crimea. Alternative fuel (oil) from tires in the Crimea.
Environmentally friendly, cost-effective, waste-free tire recycling.
Waste car tires can be recycled to produce: synthetic oil, scrap metal (can be used as a knitting wire), solid fraction (carbon black that can be a sorbent or pigments).
Costs: 6 kW of electricity per day to run the electric motors and 20 liters of water to compensate for evaporation.
From one ton of tires (used technical rubber) you can get: 400 kg of synthetic oil, which can be dispersed on conventional equipment + combustible gas + cord metal of very good quality. In Crimea, from 2 to 5 thousand tons of used tires are formed per year.
During the processing of tires, a liquid-fuel fraction is obtained, the content of which is up to 80% oil products. In the open air, on an open fire, the oil obtained from the processing of old tires burns without fading.
The sorbent obtained during the disposal of rubber goods in this way allows you to collect oil from the surface of the water. The sorbent completely neutralizes the oil film.
What is the process of recycling tires in the Crimea. Old tires are cut in the workshop, then fed into the crucible, which is hermetically sealed and fed into the reactor. From the reactor at a high temperature, the tires turn into gas, after which they condense. The gas is pumped out, and you can work on your own gas.
There are no emissions and no smoke when using this tire and rubber recycling plant.
Minimal harm to the environment.
The installation is highly profitable, creates jobs and solves some of the environmental problems. The installation gives gas savings of about 500 cubic meters. in year. Potential consumers from such production: enterprises of the oil refining complex, gas processing enterprises, wastewater treatment enterprises.
Video: Tire recycling in Novosibirsk.
Russia 1. What can be done from an old car tire? Recycling old tires Novosibirsk.
Old tires, tires and rubber goods can be recycled into rubber roads, playgrounds, sidewalks.
Novosibirsk produces about 9 thousand tons of tires per year.
A metal cord is cut out of an old tire and removed by an automatic device. Without a cord, the old tire is ground with a shredder. When recycling tires, a textile cord is also obtained, which can serve as either a heater or a sorbent (for example, in the oil industry).
The main product is crumb rubber, which is used to make surfaces for sports fields.
Video: Recycling of old tires in Belarus, Grodno. Ecological Alternative. Recycle.by
Final product: high quality granulates and powders.
The metal cord is removed, the tire is crushed by a shredder until crumb rubber is obtained.
The metal cord from the tire is removed (pulled out) with a metal hook on the hydraulic cylinder. The tire without a cord goes to a two-rotor shredder. With two shredder shafts, the rubber is roughly ground and goes to the conveyor. Next comes the process of finer grinding with a single-shaft grinder.
The raw material is eventually ground into crumbs and passes through a magnetic separator, on which all metal inclusions are removed. After cleaning from textiles, the crumb once again passes through a magnetic separator.
The purified raw material goes to sintering, where rubber mats, slabs for sports tracks and playgrounds are obtained.
Video: tire recycling abroad (abroad). Discovery Science.
The tire gets a second life in the form of rubber mats. Every day, the factory processes 15,000 tires. The conveyor feeds the old tires to the sink, they are washed and sent to the grinder. The chopper has 2 rows of large teeth. The shredder can process about 1000 tires per hour.
The tires are then shredded a second time. With the help of huge magnets, the metal is separated from the rubber. The metal subsequently goes to another factory for remelting. Other tire elements such as fiberglass and nylon are also separated by the screen.
Refined rubber pieces are fed into the grinder tank, where they are more intensively ground to a powder fraction. The powder is laid out on a mold 7 meters long and more than 1 meter wide. After filling, the form goes to the press, where the powder is subjected to temperature for 30 minutes.
The mat in the machine is removed from the mold and cooled by jets of water for several minutes. The mat is subjected to vibration to remove excess water.
Tire recycling product: rubber mats, mudguards for cars and trucks, hard rubber rings.
In 12 hours, the factory produces about 12,000 rubber mats from recycled tires.
Video: Factory testing of a tire recycling line for the Kemerovo region. eco-tire.ru
Double-sided machine for extracting the bead ring of an old tire - automatic process of extracting the cord from the tire.
Hydraulic shears - used for cutting tires. The process is semi-automatic. A tire from a truck, for example, needs to be cut into 3-4 pieces. Pre-cutting is necessary to prepare the tire for transport on the conveyor.
The main crusher of the ZPS 1200 line produces quite small pieces from very large tire pieces. The crusher looks like a mesh drum.
Crusher type 600 (two-shaft) - coarse tire grinding. It doesn’t even cut, but grinds.
Chopper HM480 (2 pcs) in combination with a vibrating screen (3 pcs) + 2 pcs of magnetic separators + 5 conveyors (conveyors).
The magnetic separator for extracting the extracted metal has the form of a conveyor with a magnetic drum, which removes the extracted metal from the stasis.
Complex of mills with an air separator for the extraction of textiles.
Video: Children's playgrounds and the road to knowledge are laid out with old tires in Israel. 1 Channel.
Tire recycling as building material. The second life of obsolete tires. Tire chair. The pool is made from old tires and clay. A fence made from old tires with beautiful round windows. Old tires have been added to the asphalt surface to reduce noise and increase practicality. 2000 tires are held together by a ton of clay from which the school is made.
The building does not heat up, as the tires transmit heat poorly.
Video: Tire recycling in America (USA - United States) . Discovery Channel.
The truck tire is cut, removing the top layer from it, which will be used. The tire tread is in the greatest demand, because it does not contain any impurities (textile or metal cord). The tires are clamped in the machine and all irregularities are removed with a knife (the tire is polished). Thin layers of rubber are obtained. When the tire is smooth, it is transferred to a second machine where both walls are cut off. The walls of the old tires will be fastened together and used as a fence for livestock pens. Knives cut a huge amount of rubber from old tires. Coarse rubber goes to the manufacture of children's swings. Rubber obtained from tires can be used in shooting ranges, it retains the bullet well and does not deform it. Rubber flour is used as a filler, and finely ground rubber can also be rubbed into sand for walking horses.
