University study finds shredded tires may serve as road fill in Wisconsin

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin studied the disposal of waste tires in Wisconsin, noting that the state has about 20 million stockpiled tires and generates 4 million annually. Engineers investigated whether shredded tires could be used as fill beneath roads. A 1990 test embankment built near the Dane County landfill showed strong drainage and performance comparable to many gravel roads after the first year.

The research addresses the growing problem of difficult-to-dispose-of tires in sanitary landfills. If viable, using shredded tires could provide an alternative, cost-effective material for road construction and infrastructure projects in Wisconsin.