n 2005, Gerdau Ameristeel Jackson, in Tennessee, U.S.A., began to use old tires as an alternative energy source for steel production. They provide a cleaner burning fuel and produce, for example, 25% more heat than coal. The result is a reduced need for other forms of energy, such as natural gas, electricity and coal. Steel, present in the tires, is also recycled.

This process of reusing old tires also benefits the environment and human health. Old tires do not decompose, and when stored inappropriately may attract insects and rodents, resulting in the transmission of diseases to humans.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are at least 275 million old tires in deposits around the country.