Ohio's Proven Tire Recycling Model Continues to Drive Environmental Progress and Resource Recovery
Ohio EPA Director Logue and staff recently visited Liberty Tire Recycling's Grove City facility to learn about the latest national trends in tire recycling and discuss how Ohio can continue advancing responsible scrap tire management.
The visit comes as Ohio remains a national leader in tire recovery, with more than 15 million scrap tires processed annually at licensed recovery facilities across the state. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between regulators and industry leaders in building sustainable end-use markets for recycled tire materials.
By sharing industry expertise, exploring new technologies, and supporting market development, Ohio can continue building on decades of progress in responsible tire management.
From Tire Crisis to National Leadership
Ohio's leadership in tire recycling was shaped by lessons learned from the devastating Kirby Tire Recycling fire in Sycamore, Ohio, during the early 1990s. The fire burned for months, creating significant environmental concerns and reinforcing the need for stronger scrap tire management practices.
In response, Ohio developed one of the nation's most comprehensive tire management programs, establishing a framework that couples strong environmental protections with market-based solutions. By setting clear rules, rigorous oversight, and strong enforcement measures, the state helped protect public health and the environment while creating the conditions for private-sector innovation and investment in recycled tire markets. The program combines regulatory oversight, licensed transportation, processing requirements, and enforcement measures that support both environmental stewardship and productive end uses for scrap tires.
Turning Scrap Tires into Valuable Resources
At Liberty Tire Recycling, end-of-life tires are transformed into usable sustainable products that support infrastructure, recreation, manufacturing, and other industry applications.
Recycled tire materials can be used in:
- Playground and athletic field surfaces
- Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA) for civil engineering projects
- Alternative fuel applications
- Rubber-modified products and infrastructure solutions
Liberty Tire Recycling helps support a circular economy by recovering materials that can be repurposed instead of being landfilled or abandoned in stockpiles.
Liberty Tire Recycling in Ohio
Liberty Tire Recycling operates two key facilities serving Ohio tire generators and public-sector partners:
Columbus, OH – Tire Collection & Processing
Address: 3041 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123-9737
Phone: 614-871-8097
Minerva, OH - Tire Collection & Processing
Address: 14864 Lincoln Street SE, Minerva, OH 44657-8548
Phone: 330-868-0097
Website: https://libertytire.com/Collection-and-Processing/
Building Markets for the Future
One of the key discussions during the Ohio EPA visit focused on the importance of developing strong, sustainable end markets for recycled tire materials.
Liberty Tire Recycling repurposes millions of end-of-life tires into useful, innovative products for both the commercial and retail sectors.
Liberty’s product lineup includes crumb rubber for molded goods, synthetic turf infill and rubberized asphalt, rubber mulch for landscaping and playground applications, tire-derived fuel for industrial energy use, and other recycled rubber materials that enhance safety, durability and environmental performance such as roads and athletic fields, consumer goods, and renewable energy solutions.
Ohio's success demonstrates that effective regulation, innovation, and market development can work together to create long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Liberty Tire Recycling is proud to help advance sustainable tire recycling solutions that protect communities, recover valuable resources, and support Ohio's environmental goals. Learn more about how Ohio turned a tire challenge into national progress through innovation by visiting this article.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio EPA Director Logue and Division of Materials and Waste Management staff visited Liberty Tire Recycling's Grove City facility.
- Ohio processes more than 15 million scrap tires annually through licensed recovery facilities.
- Ohio's tire management program was strengthened following the Kirby tire fire and has helped remediate more than 43 million used tires.
- Liberty Tire Recycling supports beneficial reuse by transforming end-of-life tires into usable sustainable products.
- Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA) and other recycled tire applications help support infrastructure, sustainability, and the circular economy.
- Collaboration between regulators, recyclers, and industry stakeholders continues to drive innovation in tire recycling.
FAQs
Q. Why did Ohio EPA visit Liberty Tire Recycling's Grove City facility?
A. Ohio EPA Director Logue and Division of Materials and Waste Management staff visited the facility to learn about national recycling trends, discuss responsible scrap tire management, and explore opportunities to strengthen tire recycling efforts across Ohio.
Q. How many scrap tires are processed in Ohio each year?
A. More than 15 million scrap tires are processed annually at licensed recovery facilities throughout Ohio.
Q. Why is Ohio considered a leader in scrap tire management?
A. Ohio has developed one of the nation's most comprehensive tire management programs, combining strong regulations, licensed processors and haulers, environmental oversight, and beneficial reuse programs. The state has remediated more than 43 million used tires since the program launched.
Q. What products can be made from recycled tires?
A. Recycled tires can be used in playground surfaces, athletic fields, Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA) for civil engineering projects, rubber products, and alternative fuel applications.
Q. What is Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA)?
A. TDA is a recycled tire material used in construction and civil engineering projects. It provides lightweight fill, drainage, and other performance benefits while creating a valuable use for recovered tire materials.
Q. How does Liberty Tire Recycling support sustainability?
A. Liberty Tire Recycling collects and processes millions of tires annually, helping divert materials from landfills and illegal dump sites while creating valuable products that support a circular economy and environmental stewardship.