Making Old Tires Into Oil

New Jersey-based Global Resource Corporation has patented a new technology that uses microwave energy to extract oil from waste tires without producing toxic emissions.

The GRC process uses tires to produce carbon black, which is typically used to make more rubber. GRC estimates that it can convert a ton of waste tires into as much as 400 pounds of reusable carbon black, which typically sells for $2,000 a ton.

The issue of how to dispose of tires is of environmental importance, as states face growing stockpiles, and the health impacts of using shredded tires in other capacities continues to be a topic of debate. GRC is looking to roll out its first tire recycling machine for commercial use next year.

See how this technology can ultimately help the environment.