Talkin' Tires

Join host Craig Hunter on this episode of Talkin’ Tires as he interviews K. Stratton Kirton, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Liberty Tire Recycling, about the vital role of sustainability and corporate policy in the modern tire industry,. Kirton provides an inside look at how state-level management models and market incentives—ranging from successful programs in Utah and Georgia to funding challenges in Washington—impact the handling of the over 300 million scrap tires generated annually in the U.S. The discussion also addresses public safety concerns by highlighting scientific findings from the EPA and the mission of the "Better Play" initiative to educate families on the safety and benefits of recycled rubber surfaces. Finally, Kirton emphasizes that transparent collaboration between private industry and government stakeholders is the essential key to solving environmental issues like illegal dumping. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of Talkin’ Tires, Craig sits down with Chris Gabrelcik of Gilead Dynamics to discuss a revolutionary shift in tire recycling. Dive into the world of microwave pyrolysis and the "Tire Hog," a machine that breaks down tires from the inside out to produce high-value carbon black and oil. This innovative system is designed to be fully mobile on semi-truck trailers, allowing recyclers to bring the processing plant directly to the tires while remaining energy self-sufficient. Learn how this technology aims to make tires as easy to recycle as aluminum cans and transform waste management into a highly profitable entrepreneurial venture. Produced by Recycled Media.

Join host Craig Hunter on this episode of Talkin Tires as he sits down with Doug Carlson, VP of Asphalt Products at Liberty Tire, to discuss the past and future of rubberized roads. Doug explains the industry's shift toward the innovative "next generation" dry process, which allows recycled tire rubber to be easily used in standard asphalt plants across the country. The episode dives into the practical benefits of rubberized chip seals, revealing how they can triple a pavement's lifespan and provide a cost-effective way to save failing rural roads. Finally, explore how declining costs and environmental stewardship are driving a resurgence in the market, attracting interest from both government agencies and large-scale commercial retailers. Produced by Recycled Media.

On this episode of Talkin' Tires, Craig sits down with Craig Michael of Pleasants Construction to discuss rubber modified asphalt (RMA). Craig (Michael) shares his insight on the testing, growing pains, and future use of RMA, after being able to conduct a case study while working on a project with the Maryland DOT. Produced by Recycled Media.

In this episode of Talking Tires, host Craig Hunter interviews Rick Goodwin and former NFL player AC Caswell from Driven Hearts Charity at the 10th annual Tire Recycling Conference. They discuss their mission to empower underprivileged communities by building soccer fields and playgrounds using recycled rubber in locations ranging from the Darien jungle in Panama to Fort Myers, Florida. Beyond sports facilities, the organization offers a "hand up" through free daycare and educational scholarships for low-income families to help rebuild the family unit. AC Caswell shares his personal story of growing up in poverty and explains how providing safe, quality places to play can eliminate "dream deficit" and build lasting confidence in children. Produced by Recycled Media.