A car tire takes around 2,000 years to decompose. Every year, over a billion tires reach the end of their life, creating one of the world's largest waste streams.
Why does it take this long?
Tires are made from vulcanized rubber — chemically cross-linked so it won't break down. As they wear during driving, they also shed microplastic particles that are now a major source of ocean pollution. Piled tires trap water, breed mosquitoes, and pose serious fire risks.
Where it sits on the timeline
2 months
🍎 Apple core
20 years
🛍️ Plastic bag
2,000 years
🚗 Car tire
4,000+ years
🍾 Glass bottle
Greener alternative
Recycle worn tires
Tire retailers and recycling centres accept old tires for reuse as surfaces and fuel — never dump or burn them.
See tire-recycled products →
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a car tire take to decompose?
A car tire takes approximately 2,000 years to decompose in nature.
Can tires be recycled?
Yes — into playground surfaces, road material, and fuel. But collection rates still lag behind the billion discarded yearly.
Are tires a source of microplastics?
Yes. Tire wear is one of the largest single contributors of microplastics entering rivers and oceans.