How Tyres Are Recycled

Scrap tyres are processed into range of rubber granules and fine powders. Below is the process from collection to the finished product:

Step 1. Collection and transportation

Tyrecycle collects scrap tyres from each retail location, and transports them to a secure Tyrecycle processing facility for processing.

Step 2. Sorting

Tyres are unloaded and sorted by size and composition for further processing. Tyres suitable for recycling are placed on a large conveyor towards the Sims production line.

Step 3. Shredding

The tyres are shredded in preparation for further processing. The tyre pieces are further reduced in size by a granulator.

Step 4. Steel removal

The steel at the centre of each tyre is recovered for re-use. In fact, Sims recycles over 2,500 metric tonnes of steel as a result of this process.

The steel free tyre granules are then stored in large hoppers.

Step 5. Grinding into finished product

Depending on the fineness required, the granules are ground by large rollers and pushed through sieves. Rubber products produced are: buffings and shred (used in matting, sport surfaces, turf and playgrounds); granules and chips (used in athletic tracks, playgrounds, horse arenas and asphalt); crumbs and powders (used in new tyres, brake pads, road sealing, adhesives and paints); and large shred tyre chips (used in civil engineering and fuel derivatives). Learn more about final applications.

Step 6. Testing & distribution

All rubber crumb products undergo routine quality testing by our trained staff in our on-site laboratory, for particle distribution, moisture content and metal contamination - before being packed for distribution.