October is Circular Economy Month in Canada–an awareness campaign dedicated to teaching Canadians how to support the economy while protecting the planet and its people. The goal is to encourage Canadians to think about consumption and the opportunities and benefits that come with a circular economy. This is done by sharing the importance of extending the life of products, reducing waste, and recycling materials. In honour of this month, and more specifically, Waste Reduction Week (October 21-27) we’re sharing ways that you can contribute to a circular economy through how you care for and dispose of your old car tires.

Understanding the Circular Economy in BC

To create a better environment, we need to go beyond recycling. The circular economy concept digs deeper, focusing not only on renewing old products but also on the entire life cycle, from production to consumption, collection, and processing. The image below illustrates how it all works in a circular way.

How does tire recycling fit into the circular economy model? Tire recycling plays a key role in driving a circular economy. We repurpose or recycle tires into new products, keeping them out of landfills. We also educate the public on how to extend the life of their tires to make them last longer. Here are some ways you can reuse, recycle, and repurpose your tires to support a circular economy.

Tire Reuse: Extend the Life of Your Tires

You can extend your tires’ lifespan with proper and consistent maintenance. Regularly rotating tires, checking tire pressure, and ensuring proper inflation are essential steps. Switching your tires seasonally and driving carefully also reduces wear, helping your tires last longer. Not only will this make your tires last, but it will also save you money.

Related: Winter Tire Myths Debunked: What You Need To Know As Tire Change Season Approaches

 Tire Recycling: Turn Waste into Resources

When you recycle tires in BC, they transform into new and innovative products like playground surfaces, athletic tracks, recreational flooring, landscaping mulch, barn mats, and feeding pans for farm animals. Recycling your tires is easy, free, and keeps them out of landfills, turning them into useful items that benefit your community.

Tire Repurposing: Find New Ways to Use Old Tires

If you enjoy DIY projects, you can repurpose old tires into swings, lawn furniture, planters, pet beds, garden pathways, or compost bins. The possibilities are endless for giving new life to old tires without sending them to the landfill.

How to Recycle Your Tires in BC

BC has hundreds of Return-to-Retailer (R2R) locations where you can drop off your old tires for free. Most drivers return their old tires when purchasing new ones, but if you have up to four tires (clean and off the rims) sitting around, you can start recycling right away. Find a recycling location near you here. We recommend calling ahead to ensure the retailer can accept your tires.