When the cost to recycle a single small tractor tire is $50, it’s understandable that farmers throw their spent tires in a corner or let them sit out in an unused part of their property. So when Kent County Farm Bureau and Wilbur-Ellis’ Sparta location teamed up to offer free ag tire recycling to their members and customers, the response was enthusiastic – especially when farmers learned they could bring tires on the rim.
It was rainy on Tuesday, August 6, but farmers started rolling in at 8:00am with their trucks and trailers. Some brought a handful of tires, others were hauling dozens. We filled the trailer by noon, and were grateful that Wilbur-Ellis let us store the excess tires in their parking lot while we arranged for two more trailers.
My favorite question to ask was, “Are any of those tires older than you?” The answer was always a surprised laugh and, “Yes.” Conversation among those waiting often leaned towards stories of how not to dispose of tires, including one story about a man in Alaska who got someone to drop a hundred tires into a dormant volcano and then lit them on fire as an April Fools’ prank. I’d thought it was a tall tale, but it was not: Mount Edgecumbe Erupts – April Fools’ 1974.
Although we started out keeping count of the number of tires, the sheer volume made that difficult – at least 700 tires were removed from Kent County farms.
We contracted with Environmental Rubber Recycling from Flint to remove the tires. They processed them into tire-derived aggregate to be used in roadways and septic installations, and tire-derived fuel. Go here to learn more: https://environmentalrubber.com/products/?
John and Larry Finkbeiner sent a note after the event: “I just wanted you and the Kent County Farm Bureau to know how much we appreciate the tire recycling that you hosted this past Tuesday. This was a great opportunity and we hope that you continue this. We also want to give a big shoutout to Wilbur-Ellis and their employees. They worked very hard and fast to unload our truck so we could get back on the road.”
Wilbur-Ellis is a great partner for this event: they have the room and the equipment to make it run smoothly, as well as the commitment to making it simple for farmers to recycle. They also work with the Kent Conservation District to offer jug recycling a couple of times a year. We are grateful for Kent County Farm Bureau Board Member and Wilbur-Ellis employee Laurie Pant for spearheading this partnership.
And we are definitely making it an annual event! Spread the news among your friends: a Farm Bureau membership is only $50 a year, so if someone brings in two tires, it more than pays for itself. Not to mention the other member savings and the knowledge that Farm Bureau staff and volunteers are advocating for agriculture at every level of government. We’ll see you next summer!