Every car scrapped at our Authorised Treatment Facility has its tyres removed and sent for specialist recycling. Tyre recycling has developed into a sophisticated industry that converts waste rubber into valuable products rather than sending it to landfill.
Tyre Removal
Our car dismantlers remove all tyres from vehicles before the shell enters the crushing process. Tyres with remaining tread may be resold through our used parts service, particularly premium brand tyres in good condition. Worn tyres go to specialist tyre recycling companies.
Recycling Methods
Modern tyre recycling uses several methods. Mechanical recycling shreds tyres into rubber crumb of various grades. Pyrolysis breaks tyres down using heat in the absence of oxygen, producing oil, carbon black, and steel. Cryogenic processing freezes tyres to make the rubber brittle before shattering it into granules.
Products from Recycled Tyres
Recycled tyre rubber finds its way into many products. Rubber crumb is used for playground surfaces, sports pitches, equestrian arenas, and running tracks. Larger rubber chunks become landscaping mulch or drainage material. The steel wire from radial tyres is recovered and recycled separately.
Energy Recovery
Some tyres that cannot be recycled into products are used as fuel in cement kilns and power stations. While not ideal, this energy recovery is preferable to landfill and the high calorific value of rubber makes it an effective fuel source. Our breakers yard prioritises material recycling over energy recovery.
Legal Requirements
UK law prohibits sending whole tyres to landfill, and shredded tyres were banned from landfill in 2006. This legislation has driven the development of the tyre recycling industry. Our car scrappers work with licensed tyre recyclers to ensure full compliance.
Every component recycled responsibly. Scrap your car with a fully compliant ATF. Free collection across Scotland.