There's a common perception the tires we put on our vehicles are made of rubber, a renewable resource. Unfortunately, well over 90% of all tires are made from synthetics - and they have certainly proved to be an environmental headache.
Once tires have reached the end of their serviceable lives, they tend to be dumped in huge piles. If these piles should be set alight, the smoke is an extraordinarily toxic cocktail and the runoff from melted residue can contaminate groundwater.
Tires left sitting around in the open also collect rainwater and become perfect breeding grounds for mosquitos.
