GITNUXREPORT 2025

Tire Waste Statistics

Tire waste recycling reduces environmental impact, recycles materials, and promotes sustainability.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Scrap tires can take over 100 years to decompose in landfills

Statistic 2

The recycling of tires prevents approximately 19 million tons of CO2 emissions annually in the U.S.

Statistic 3

The energy recovery from tires in the U.S. saves approximately 1.6 billion gallons of gasoline annually

Statistic 4

Around 10% of scrap tires in the U.S. are illegally dumped, creating environmental hazards

Statistic 5

Incineration of tires with energy recovery is a common waste management method in many countries

Statistic 6

An estimated 500 million scrap tires are kept in stockpiles in the United States, posing fire and pollution risks

Statistic 7

In developing countries, illegal tire dumping is exacerbating environmental pollution, estimated at over 30 million tires annually

Statistic 8

The use of tire-derived fuel reduces the reliance on coal in cement kilns, thereby decreasing CO2 emissions

Statistic 9

Approximately 60% of used tires in the U.S. are incinerated for energy recovery, reducing fossil fuel reliance

Statistic 10

The environmental hazard of improper tire disposal includes breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes, affecting public health

Statistic 11

Approximately 20 million tires are illegally dumped or improperly disposed of each year in the U.S., contributing to environmental pollution

Statistic 12

Discarded tires in landfills can leach toxic chemicals into soil and groundwater, posing environmental risks

Statistic 13

Tire recycling helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the need for primary rubber production, which is energy-intensive

Statistic 14

Landfilling tires is discouraged due to space constraints and environmental hazards, leading many countries to ban or limit tire disposal in landfills

Statistic 15

The environmental cost of tire waste includes potential fire hazards, groundwater contamination, and habitat disruption, emphasizing the importance of proper recycling

Statistic 16

Millions of tires are illegally dumped in oceans and waterways annually, impacting marine ecosystems

Statistic 17

The environmental benefits of tire recycling include reduction of landfill space, conservation of natural resources, and reduction of emissions, supporting sustainable development goals

Statistic 18

Studies indicate that improperly disposed tires can serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes carrying Zika and other viruses, posing public health risks

Statistic 19

Recycling tires reduces dependence on landfilling, which is often banned or restricted in many countries due to environmental concerns

Statistic 20

The environmental impact of tire waste includes greenhouse gases from illegal burning, which releases toxic pollutants, worsening air quality

Statistic 21

Rubberized asphalt made from recycled tires improves pavement durability and reduces road noise

Statistic 22

The use of recycled tire rubber in asphalt pavement can extend road lifespan by up to 50%, reducing maintenance costs

Statistic 23

The process of pyrolysis can break down tires into useful fuels, but it requires sophisticated technology and proper environmental controls

Statistic 24

The high calorific value of scrap tires makes them suitable for use as alternate fuel in cement manufacturing and industrial boilers

Statistic 25

Only about 15% of discarded tires are currently being recycled globally

Statistic 26

The global market for tire recycling is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2027

Statistic 27

About 35% of scrap tires in the U.S. are used for tire-derived fuel

Statistic 28

Tire-derived aggregate is used as a lightweight fill in construction projects

Statistic 29

About 250 million scrap tires are recycled into recycled rubber annually in North America

Statistic 30

Approximately 10% of all waste tires are repurposed into civil engineering applications

Statistic 31

Recycling tires into crumb rubber creates products such as athletic courts, mats, and playground surfaces

Statistic 32

The chemical recycling of tires can recover up to 90% of the original rubber

Statistic 33

The global plastic and rubber recycling market, including tires, is expected to reach USD 400 billion by 2030

Statistic 34

The average tire contains about 7 gallons of oil, which can be recovered through recycling

Statistic 35

The use of recycled tire rubber in sports surfaces has increased by over 60% in the last decade

Statistic 36

About 45% of tires are shredded and used as a substitute for sand or gravel in civil engineering projects

Statistic 37

Discarded tires can be converted into fuel oil, providing an alternative energy source

Statistic 38

The global demand for recycled tire products is expected to increase by CAGR of 5% through 2030

Statistic 39

Recycling tires reduces the amount of space they occupy in landfills by about 60%

Statistic 40

The tire recycling process can produce raw materials used in new tire manufacturing, significantly reducing virgin material extraction

Statistic 41

Used tires can be processed into carbon black, which is used in the manufacturing of new tires and other rubber products

Statistic 42

Waste tire pyrolysis converts tires into pyrolysis oil, carbon black, and steel, with the process reducing landfill waste

Statistic 43

The global demand for tire-derived rubber products is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 44

The energy recovery from scrap tires produces about 14,000 British thermal units (BTUs) per pound of tires

Statistic 45

Recycled tire crumb is used in various applications including rubber mats, flooring, and shock-absorbing surfaces

Statistic 46

The recovery of steel from tires through shredding and magnetic separation saves approximately 500 pounds of iron ore per ton of scrap tires processed

Statistic 47

Approximately 25% of scrap tires are currently used in civil engineering applications such as embankments, drainage, and erosion control

Statistic 48

Recycling tires into elastic materials is critical for sports fields, playgrounds, and running tracks, supporting sustainable development

Statistic 49

Recycling tires into flexible paving and roofing materials enhances energy efficiency in buildings, contributing to green building standards

Statistic 50

The average tire contains roughly 7 gallons of oil, which can be reclaimed during recycling, reducing dependence on virgin oil sources

Statistic 51

The use of recycled tire rubber in manufacturing reduces raw material costs by approximately 20%, offering cost advantages in production

Statistic 52

Advances in tire recycling technology have increased recovery rates from 50% to over 90% in some plants, significantly reducing waste

Statistic 53

Many countries have established regulations requiring the recycling or proper disposal of tires, with compliance rates exceeding 80% in developed nations

Statistic 54

Tire-derived products, including mats, tiles, and playground surfaces, are increasingly used in urban development projects to promote sustainability

Statistic 55

The carbon footprint of producing new tires is significantly reduced when recycled rubber is used to replace virgin materials, contributing to climate change mitigation

Statistic 56

Waste tires can be converted into activated carbon for use in filtration systems, offering an eco-friendly reuse pathway

Statistic 57

Recycling tire fibers can improve the durability and performance of new rubber products, fostering a circular economy

Statistic 58

In some regions, tire rental or buy-back programs incentivize proper disposal and recycling, reducing illegal dumping

Statistic 59

The economic value of recycled tire rubber includes application in automotive parts, sports surfaces, flooring, and accessories, making it a profitable sector

Statistic 60

Advanced tire recycling facilities utilize cryogenic or mechanical processes to improve the purity and quality of recycled rubber, decreasing waste

Statistic 61

Recycling tires can reduce the demand for virgin rubber by up to 50%, significantly impacting the supply chain and raw material markets

Statistic 62

The use of tire-derived rubber in industrial applications is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 5.5% through 2030, driven by environmental regulations and innovation

Statistic 63

The adoption of stricter regulations and improved recycling technologies is projected to increase global tire recycling rates by about 10% annually

Statistic 64

Discarded tires can be processed into civil engineering materials such as porous fill, drainage media, and erosion control products, aiding in sustainable construction

Statistic 65

Innovative reuse of tires, such as in art and furniture, is growing, helping to reduce environmental waste

Statistic 66

Recycling tires into biogas and bio-oil provides renewable energy options but requires environmentally controlled processing plants

Statistic 67

The rising cost of raw materials for tire manufacturing encourages increased recycling and reuse to cut production costs

Statistic 68

The use of recycled tire products in sustainable urban infrastructure projects is increasing, lowering overall environmental footprints

Statistic 69

The economic and environmental pressures are leading to innovations in tire recycling, such as chemical recycling, which can restore original rubber properties

Statistic 70

Approximately 1.5 billion tires are discarded annually worldwide

Statistic 71

The United States generates about 290 million scrap tires each year

Statistic 72

Round 70% of used tires in the U.S. are stockpiled or landfilled

Statistic 73

Tire waste accounts for approximately 3% of municipal solid waste in landfills

Statistic 74

The global scrap tire generation is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2020 to 2027

Statistic 75

The average lifespan of a tire before disposal is approximately 6 years, after which it is commonly discarded or recycled

Statistic 76

The global market for tires is expected to reach $220 billion by 2030, increasing the volumes of waste tires unless recycling rates are improved

Statistic 77

The number of tires produced globally per year exceeds 1.5 trillion units, contributing significantly to waste if not properly managed

Statistic 78

The largest tire-producing countries also produce the largest volumes of tire waste annually, including China, the U.S., and India

Statistic 79

Biodegradation of tires in natural environments is negligible, making landfilling the only long-term disposal method without recycling

Statistic 80

The lifespan of a typical tire can be extended through proper maintenance, reducing the volume of waste tires generated annually

Statistic 81

The increasing urbanization worldwide leads to higher tire consumption and waste, posing future recycling challenges

Statistic 82

Approximately 700 million new tires are produced globally each year, with the majority ending up as waste if not properly recycled

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Key Highlights

Approximately 1.5 billion tires are discarded annually worldwide
The United States generates about 290 million scrap tires each year
Only about 15% of discarded tires are currently being recycled globally
Round 70% of used tires in the U.S. are stockpiled or landfilled
Tire waste accounts for approximately 3% of municipal solid waste in landfills
The global market for tire recycling is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2027
Scrap tires can take over 100 years to decompose in landfills
About 35% of scrap tires in the U.S. are used for tire-derived fuel
The recycling of tires prevents approximately 19 million tons of CO2 emissions annually in the U.S.
Tire-derived aggregate is used as a lightweight fill in construction projects
About 250 million scrap tires are recycled into recycled rubber annually in North America
The global scrap tire generation is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2020 to 2027
Approximately 10% of all waste tires are repurposed into civil engineering applications

As the world produces over 1.5 trillion tires annually with only 15% being recycled, the mounting global tire waste presents a pressing environmental challenge and a golden opportunity for sustainable innovation.

Environmental Impact of Tire Waste

Scrap tires can take over 100 years to decompose in landfills
The recycling of tires prevents approximately 19 million tons of CO2 emissions annually in the U.S.
The energy recovery from tires in the U.S. saves approximately 1.6 billion gallons of gasoline annually
Around 10% of scrap tires in the U.S. are illegally dumped, creating environmental hazards
Incineration of tires with energy recovery is a common waste management method in many countries
An estimated 500 million scrap tires are kept in stockpiles in the United States, posing fire and pollution risks
In developing countries, illegal tire dumping is exacerbating environmental pollution, estimated at over 30 million tires annually
The use of tire-derived fuel reduces the reliance on coal in cement kilns, thereby decreasing CO2 emissions
Approximately 60% of used tires in the U.S. are incinerated for energy recovery, reducing fossil fuel reliance
The environmental hazard of improper tire disposal includes breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes, affecting public health
Approximately 20 million tires are illegally dumped or improperly disposed of each year in the U.S., contributing to environmental pollution
Discarded tires in landfills can leach toxic chemicals into soil and groundwater, posing environmental risks
Tire recycling helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the need for primary rubber production, which is energy-intensive
Landfilling tires is discouraged due to space constraints and environmental hazards, leading many countries to ban or limit tire disposal in landfills
The environmental cost of tire waste includes potential fire hazards, groundwater contamination, and habitat disruption, emphasizing the importance of proper recycling
Millions of tires are illegally dumped in oceans and waterways annually, impacting marine ecosystems
The environmental benefits of tire recycling include reduction of landfill space, conservation of natural resources, and reduction of emissions, supporting sustainable development goals
Studies indicate that improperly disposed tires can serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes carrying Zika and other viruses, posing public health risks
Recycling tires reduces dependence on landfilling, which is often banned or restricted in many countries due to environmental concerns
The environmental impact of tire waste includes greenhouse gases from illegal burning, which releases toxic pollutants, worsening air quality

Environmental Impact of Tire Waste Interpretation

With over 100 years needed for tires to decompose and millions of tires illegally dumped annually, the urgent need for effective recycling and responsible waste management isn't just about environmental preservation—it's a race against time to prevent ecological, health, and climate crises fueled by a stubbornly wasteful and hazardous industry.

Innovations and Sustainable Practices in Tire Management

Rubberized asphalt made from recycled tires improves pavement durability and reduces road noise
The use of recycled tire rubber in asphalt pavement can extend road lifespan by up to 50%, reducing maintenance costs
The process of pyrolysis can break down tires into useful fuels, but it requires sophisticated technology and proper environmental controls
The high calorific value of scrap tires makes them suitable for use as alternate fuel in cement manufacturing and industrial boilers

Innovations and Sustainable Practices in Tire Management Interpretation

Harnessing recycled tires—from rubberized asphalt that extends road life and cuts noise, to pyrolysis converting them into valuable fuels—reveals that while these innovations promise cost savings and environmental gains, they demand technological sophistication and responsible management to truly turn waste into worth.

Recycling and Reuse of Tires

Only about 15% of discarded tires are currently being recycled globally
The global market for tire recycling is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2027
About 35% of scrap tires in the U.S. are used for tire-derived fuel
Tire-derived aggregate is used as a lightweight fill in construction projects
About 250 million scrap tires are recycled into recycled rubber annually in North America
Approximately 10% of all waste tires are repurposed into civil engineering applications
Recycling tires into crumb rubber creates products such as athletic courts, mats, and playground surfaces
The chemical recycling of tires can recover up to 90% of the original rubber
The global plastic and rubber recycling market, including tires, is expected to reach USD 400 billion by 2030
The average tire contains about 7 gallons of oil, which can be recovered through recycling
The use of recycled tire rubber in sports surfaces has increased by over 60% in the last decade
About 45% of tires are shredded and used as a substitute for sand or gravel in civil engineering projects
Discarded tires can be converted into fuel oil, providing an alternative energy source
The global demand for recycled tire products is expected to increase by CAGR of 5% through 2030
Recycling tires reduces the amount of space they occupy in landfills by about 60%
The tire recycling process can produce raw materials used in new tire manufacturing, significantly reducing virgin material extraction
Used tires can be processed into carbon black, which is used in the manufacturing of new tires and other rubber products
Waste tire pyrolysis converts tires into pyrolysis oil, carbon black, and steel, with the process reducing landfill waste
The global demand for tire-derived rubber products is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2023 to 2030
The energy recovery from scrap tires produces about 14,000 British thermal units (BTUs) per pound of tires
Recycled tire crumb is used in various applications including rubber mats, flooring, and shock-absorbing surfaces
The recovery of steel from tires through shredding and magnetic separation saves approximately 500 pounds of iron ore per ton of scrap tires processed
Approximately 25% of scrap tires are currently used in civil engineering applications such as embankments, drainage, and erosion control
Recycling tires into elastic materials is critical for sports fields, playgrounds, and running tracks, supporting sustainable development
Recycling tires into flexible paving and roofing materials enhances energy efficiency in buildings, contributing to green building standards
The average tire contains roughly 7 gallons of oil, which can be reclaimed during recycling, reducing dependence on virgin oil sources
The use of recycled tire rubber in manufacturing reduces raw material costs by approximately 20%, offering cost advantages in production
Advances in tire recycling technology have increased recovery rates from 50% to over 90% in some plants, significantly reducing waste
Many countries have established regulations requiring the recycling or proper disposal of tires, with compliance rates exceeding 80% in developed nations
Tire-derived products, including mats, tiles, and playground surfaces, are increasingly used in urban development projects to promote sustainability
The carbon footprint of producing new tires is significantly reduced when recycled rubber is used to replace virgin materials, contributing to climate change mitigation
Waste tires can be converted into activated carbon for use in filtration systems, offering an eco-friendly reuse pathway
Recycling tire fibers can improve the durability and performance of new rubber products, fostering a circular economy
In some regions, tire rental or buy-back programs incentivize proper disposal and recycling, reducing illegal dumping
The economic value of recycled tire rubber includes application in automotive parts, sports surfaces, flooring, and accessories, making it a profitable sector
Advanced tire recycling facilities utilize cryogenic or mechanical processes to improve the purity and quality of recycled rubber, decreasing waste
Recycling tires can reduce the demand for virgin rubber by up to 50%, significantly impacting the supply chain and raw material markets
The use of tire-derived rubber in industrial applications is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 5.5% through 2030, driven by environmental regulations and innovation
The adoption of stricter regulations and improved recycling technologies is projected to increase global tire recycling rates by about 10% annually
Discarded tires can be processed into civil engineering materials such as porous fill, drainage media, and erosion control products, aiding in sustainable construction
Innovative reuse of tires, such as in art and furniture, is growing, helping to reduce environmental waste
Recycling tires into biogas and bio-oil provides renewable energy options but requires environmentally controlled processing plants
The rising cost of raw materials for tire manufacturing encourages increased recycling and reuse to cut production costs
The use of recycled tire products in sustainable urban infrastructure projects is increasing, lowering overall environmental footprints
The economic and environmental pressures are leading to innovations in tire recycling, such as chemical recycling, which can restore original rubber properties

Recycling and Reuse of Tires Interpretation

Despite only about 15% of discarded tires being recycled globally—leaving vast mountains of waste that could fuel a billion-dollar industry, reduce landfills, and revolutionize sustainability—advances in technology and stricter regulations are driving a promising shift toward resourceful reuse, transforming what was once considered waste into versatile, eco-friendly materials that benefit both the environment and the economy.

Tire Waste Generation and Disposal

Approximately 1.5 billion tires are discarded annually worldwide
The United States generates about 290 million scrap tires each year
Round 70% of used tires in the U.S. are stockpiled or landfilled
Tire waste accounts for approximately 3% of municipal solid waste in landfills
The global scrap tire generation is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2020 to 2027
The average lifespan of a tire before disposal is approximately 6 years, after which it is commonly discarded or recycled
The global market for tires is expected to reach $220 billion by 2030, increasing the volumes of waste tires unless recycling rates are improved
The number of tires produced globally per year exceeds 1.5 trillion units, contributing significantly to waste if not properly managed
The largest tire-producing countries also produce the largest volumes of tire waste annually, including China, the U.S., and India
Biodegradation of tires in natural environments is negligible, making landfilling the only long-term disposal method without recycling
The lifespan of a typical tire can be extended through proper maintenance, reducing the volume of waste tires generated annually
The increasing urbanization worldwide leads to higher tire consumption and waste, posing future recycling challenges
Approximately 700 million new tires are produced globally each year, with the majority ending up as waste if not properly recycled

Tire Waste Generation and Disposal Interpretation

With annual global tire production surpassing 1.5 trillion units and only a fraction properly recycled, our roads may be rolling over an escalating mountain of waste that refuses to biodegrade, highlighting the urgent need for innovative disposal solutions amid rising urbanization and market growth.