Uses for Used Rubber Tires

Old rubber tires take up a lot of space, and can be a burden to carry around. You shouldn't throw rubber tires away, however; their durability, texture and ability to repel water makes them ideal for a variety of other applications. Worn out car and bicycle tires may not be useful for their original purpose, but they can turn into alternative fuels, mulch and gardening supplies.

Energy and Fuel

• In the early 1990s, The New York State Electric and Gas started testing old tire chips and coal mixtures as fuel. In 1992, it started using the mixture regularly. Tires are less expensive to use than coal, emit less pollution and require no processing other than breaking down the tires into chips. Between 1991 and 1993, The NYSEG in Jennison Station converted the equivalent of one million tires into energy.

Rubber Mulch

• Chopped and shredded tires are a superior alternative to cedar chips or plain dirt on playgrounds. Spreading rubber mulch around and under slides, swings and other equipment allows rain water to flow through to the sand or soil below, preventing actual mud on the playground. Tires are also much softer than other playground chips, so children won't sustain as many scraped knees and elbows if they fall on the rubber mulch.

Garden Materials

• You can easily convert old car or truck tires into planters for large plants. Stack the tires on top of each other and fill them with soil to make waterproof planters. If you find the plain black tires unattractive, you can paint them to fit your taste.