Tires

The materials of modern pneumatic tires are synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric, and wire, along with carbon black and other chemical compounds. They consist of a tread and a body.

Did you know…?

  • The Scrap Tire Management Council estimates that one scrap tire is generated per person per year, which in New Mexico is two million scrap tires per year. 
  • Because tires are highly durable and non-biodegradable, they last practically forever in the environment and can consume valuable space in landfills. 
  • In 1990, it was estimated that over 1 billion scrap tires were in stockpiles in the United States. As of 2015, only 67 million tires remain in stockpiles. The bulk of the remaining stockpiles are concentrated in six states, including New Mexico.
  • Aside from being used as fuel, the main end-use for tires remains ground crumb rubber.  
  • In 2017, 13% of U.S. tires removed from their primary use were sold in the used tire market. 
  • Of the tires that were scrapped: 
    • 43% were burnt as tire-derived fuel, with cement manufacturing the largest user. 
    • Another 25% were used to make ground rubber for use in recycled rubberized asphalt pavement. 
    • 8% were used in civil engineering projects, such as Taos’ famous Earthships and erosion control.
    • 17% were disposed of in landfills. 
    • 8% had other uses such as garden mulch and playground surfaces. 
  • Globally, tire graveyards are a common environmental hazard, with significant pollutants and other challenges. 

Recycling Tires in Taos County...

TIRESScrap tires are not desirable in the environment. Tires are not desired at landfills due to their large volumes and 75% void space. Tires can trap methane gases, causing them to become buoyant or bubble to the surface. For these reasons, tires are collected at all Taos County collection centers. They are stockpiled at the Taos Regional Landfill and shredded once a year before disposal. The tire cutter used at the Landfill is rented annually through a grant from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Recycling and Illegal Dumping (RAID) Grant fund. Two-thirds of RAID's $800,000 annual funds are used for scrap tire management and illegal dumping throughout the state.

Residents may dispose of up to four tires per year with their solid waste punchcard. There is no additional cost to the resident.

Some History 

The first practical pneumatic tire was made in 1888 on May Street, Belfast, by Scots-born John Boyd Dunlop, owner of one of Ireland's most prosperous veterinary practices. It was an effort to prevent the headaches of his 10-year-old son Johnnie while riding his tricycle on rough pavements. 

Taos County Transfer Station Locations:

https://taoscounty.org/368/Solid-Waste-Operations