After 10 years—or less, depending on how much they’ve been through—it’s time to replace your tires. If you’re environmentally conscious, you may wonder how eco-friendly tires can be and what happens to old tires once they’re removed from your car. Tires take up a large amount of space in landfills, so most reputable tire shops and stores charge you a small fee to pass them along to EPA-certified recyclers. Tires are most often ground up and used to build roads, ditches, playground mats, and mulch. But maybe you’re feeling inspired and want to recycle or even upcycle your old wheels. Here are some creative ways to repurpose car tires in your home or garden.
Keep Them Clean and Brighten Them Up!
Before you start, keep your tires squeaky clean. This means removing years of grit and grime, so use a scrubbing brush with soap and water. Consider dish soap or multi-purpose cleaning solution. Hose off the tires afterwards and let them dry before going in for another round of scrubbing, inside and out. Consider whether you want to leave the tires their original black or paint them a different color. If you go the artsy route, use paints intended for outdoor use, such as spray paint. Also, spray the tire with a layer or two of primer first before applying the final colors.
Eco-Friendly and Kid-Friendly!
Old tires offer so many possibilities for playtime. You can stack and secure them for a sturdy jungle gym. Set them up as part of an obstacle course to get those little legs moving. If you’re handy with tools, build a tire ladder as an addition to any backyard swing set or playset. Naturally, a good old-fashioned tire swing is always a kid-pleaser.
Let It Grow, Let It Grow!
Tires and plants work surprisingly well together. A single tire, cleaned up and painted brightly, can serve as a rugged or adorable planter on your porch. With a drill, a few nuts and bolts, and some scrap wood and/or chain, you can attach several tires together, creating amusing sculptures, pretend wishing wells, swinging flowerpots, and more. Stack several tires together to create a raised bed. Look online for more ideas. Note: due to their chemical composition, tire planters may not be best for edible plants.
Tires for Tired Pets!
When considering creative ways to repurpose car tires in your home or garden, keep your furry friends in mind. Here’s a quick and easy project any kitty or smaller pup will love. Pets love to get cozy whenever they nap, and a tire—with a few comfortable adjustments—can provide a snuggly place for them to lay down. After cleaning and painting the tire, fit it with a warm and cuddly bed purchased at the pet store. Cats especially love crawling into a small, out-of-the-way places for a snooze.
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