Kingston Systems Inc. (KSI) has been developing a new methodology to turn used tires into valuable rubber crumb with no waste byproducts. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in 2003 over 290 million scrap tires were generated. These scrap tires are not desirable to the Earth. Due to their large volumes, 75% void space, which quickly consumes valuable landfill space and the fact that tires can trap methane gases causing them to become buoyant, or ‘bubble’ to the surface. This ‘bubbling’ effect can damage landfill liners that help keep landfill contaminants from polluting local surface and ground water.

Another potential problem in landfills is tire fires. They are noted for being difficult to extinguish, and therefore can burn for very long periods. Such fires produce tremendous amounts of smoke, which often carry toxic chemicals (like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and products of butadiene and styrene) from the breakdown of rubber compounds while burning. A single tire contains about the equivalent of two U.S. gallons (7.5 liters) of oil.

One of the other popular methods for scrap tire disposal is illegal dumping and this creates other health and safety risks. These tire piles provide harborage for vermin and a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may carry diseases. Illegal dumping of scrap tires pollutes ravines, woods, deserts, and empty lots; which has led many states to pass scrap tire regulations requiring proper management. Tire amnesty day events, in which community members can deposit a limited number of waste tires free of charge, can be funded by state scrap tire programs, helping decrease illegal dumping and improper storage of scrap tires.

As a result, in 2003, 38 states banned whole tires from landfills, 35 allowed shredded tires, 11 banned all tires from landfills, 17 allowed processed tires in mono-fills, and 8 states had no restrictions on scrap tires in landfills. The new process KSI has developed will remove those tires, and problems, clean up landfills, and turn what was once waste into a valuable new resourse to create new tires and other products for commercial use.

Kingston Systems' new method of tire recycling eliminates all of these issues. The scrap tire is reduced to its core components and is completely recyclable with no waste products being developed.