A great way to get around is by bicycle. In fact, findings show that 569,000 people commute to work by bicycle in the UK. Cycling has numerous benefits for the environment, as well as for your physical and mental health. But there are a few drawbacks along with all the advantages. Tyres are made up of a combination of rubber, steel, and fabric, which makes them difficult to recycle. Let's take a closer look at the importance of recycling bicycle tyres.
The Environmental Impact Of Recycling Bicycle Tyres
When discarded in landfills, bicycle tyres can have a significant impact on the environment. They take a long time to decompose, sometimes even up to 50 years, and can emit harmful chemicals into the soil and water systems. These chemicals can be hazardous to wildlife and humans. Burning tyres is also not an option as it releases harmful gases into the atmosphere, which contributes to air pollution.
Recycling bicycle tyres helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. By diverting tyres from landfill, we can decrease the amount of space needed for waste disposal, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint. This is because when waste decomposes in landfills, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The reduction of waste in landfills means less methane is emitted into the atmosphere, which is a critical factor in the fight against climate change.
Resource Conservation
Recycling bicycle tyres also help to conserve resources. Tyres are made from natural resources such as rubber and oil, both of which are non-renewable. By recycling used tyres, we can reduce the demand for new resources and limit the environmental impact associated with their extraction and production. Tyre recycling also contributes to energy conservation. Recycling tyres uses less energy than making new ones from scratch. This indicates that recycling emits fewer greenhouse gas emissions than making new tyres.
How Can Tyres Be Recycled?
Now that we know why recycling bicycle tyres is essential, let's look at how it can be done. There are several ways to recycle bicycle tyres. One of the most popular is to shred them into small pieces, which can then be used for various applications. These include:
Rubber Crumb. The small pieces of shredded rubber can be used to make rubber crumb, which can then be used to create new tyres, running tracks, and playground surfaces.
Insulation. Tyre shredding can also produce insulation material that is used in the construction industry.
Fuel. Shredded tyres can be used as fuel in cement kilns or power plants, reducing the amount of coal or other fossil fuels that are needed.
Art and Design. Tyres can also be used in art and design. They can be turned into garden planters, outdoor seating, or even used as a material for sculptures.
Recycling Bicycle Tyres With Devils Bykes
We recognise the value of minimising waste and practising environmental responsibility at Devil Bykes. For this reason, we provide a recycling programme for used and outdated bicycle tubes and tyres.
We'll deliver them to Velorim, a business that has been investigating these materials' recycling processes since 2018, for a small fee. You can avoid having your used tyres and tubes end up in a landfill by choosing to recycle them with us. Additionally, recycling your old tyres is totally free if you buy new tyres and tubes from us.
Devils Bykes Limited
At Devils Bykes, we aim to inspire customers to learn more about their bikes and to have the confidence to attempt some maintenance on their own. To achieve this, we strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone can share their passion for riding. We provide a range of services, from simple puncture repairs to tube and bicycle tyre recycling. To check out our service, click here. Additionally, to stay up to date with us, check out our Facebook.