How Tire Recycling Works in Alberta
Turning Old Tires into New Possibilities
Every year, thousands of tonnes of used tires are discarded across Alberta. Without proper recycling, they end up in landfills or stockpiles, taking decades to decompose. At National Tire Recycling Group (NTRG), we collect and transform these materials into durable, eco-friendly products that support local industries and sustainable development.
1. Why Tire Recycling Matters
Rubber waste is a global environmental challenge. Tires contain synthetic rubber, steel, and textiles that do not break down naturally.
By recycling them, Alberta reduces landfill use, prevents toxic leachate, and saves energy compared to producing virgin materials.
Through Alberta’s provincial tire recycling program, eco-fees collected on new tire sales help fund the collection and processing of used tires from dealerships, farms, and municipal sites.
2. The Tire Collection and Sorting Process
Our recycling process begins with collection.
NTRG provides pickup and drop-off solutions for commercial, municipal, and agricultural partners across Alberta. Once the tires reach our facility, they are:
1. Sorted by size and type – passenger, truck, off-road, or conveyor belting.
2. Cleaned and inspected to remove debris and contaminants.
3. Prepared for mechanical processing using specialized shredders.
This ensures that every type of rubber can be repurposed efficiently and safely.
3. Shredding and Material Recovery
After sorting, tires are mechanically shredded into smaller pieces.
The steel components are magnetically separated and sent for metal recycling.
The remaining rubber fragments are processed into crumb rubber or tire-derived aggregate (TDA) depending on the final product application.
From these raw materials, NTRG produces a variety of innovative products such as:
Water Tanks for livestock and agriculture
Rubber Mulch for landscaping and arenas
Heavy Duty Mats for industrial flooring
Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA) for drainage and construction
Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF) for industrial energy use
Each recycled product gives discarded tires a second life — and keeps waste out of landfills.
4. Environmental and Economic Benefits
Tire recycling creates jobs, saves resources, and supports Alberta’s circular economy.
Every tonne of recycled rubber reduces the need for new raw materials and decreases CO₂ emissions from tire incineration or dumping.
Local communities benefit from:
Cleaner landscapes
Affordable, durable rubber products
Sustainable material supply for construction and agriculture
5. How Businesses and Communities Can Participate
NTRG works with local companies, municipalities, and farms to streamline tire collection.
If your organization produces large volumes of used tires or conveyor belts, our Recycling Services team can provide convenient pickup and disposal options.
We also welcome partnerships with businesses that want to integrate sustainable rubber products into their operations.
Conclusion
Tire recycling in Alberta is more than waste management — it’s a vital part of a sustainable future.
At NTRG, we’re proud to turn discarded materials into valuable resources that serve Canadian industries and protect the environment.
👉 Learn more about our Recycling Services
or Contact Us to arrange a pickup or collaboration.