The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced grants to recycle scrap tires Tuesday. The $2.9 million grants will fund research on products that can be made from used tires - including a better form of asphalt for the state’s roads.
According to a DEQ press release, the state is also looking into developing similar products to those already on the market - like shoes and floor tiles.
Old tires are often breeding grounds for mosquitos and can be a fire hazard. The DEQ says the effort supports Governor Rick Snyder’s goal to up the state’s recycling rate.