Kentucky reports a 77.4% waste tire recycling rate for fiscal 2025, with its Waste Tire Trust Fund continuing to support crumb rubber and rubberized asphalt market development.

US Tire Recycling

Kentucky reported a statewide waste tire recycling rate of 77.4% for fiscal year 2025, slightly below the 78.2% reported in 2024 and close to the most recent US national average cited in the state’s Waste Tire Program Annual Report. The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet said residents generated an estimated 59,100 tons of waste tires in 2025, equivalent to about 4.2 million passenger tire equivalents.

The Commonwealth and county governments managed about 15.1% of that total, while the private sector accounted for the remaining 84.9%. The report highlights the continuing role of the Waste Tire Trust Fund in collection events, county grants, crumb rubber and tire-derived product grants, rubber modified asphalt projects and market development.

Pressure on tire-derived fuel markets

The report also warned that tire-derived fuel markets face pressure from reduced solid fuel use, low-cost natural gas and broader changes in manufacturing and energy markets — a reminder that states are looking for higher-value outlets for scrap tires beyond fuel.

Learn More:

• Crumb Rubberized Asphalt Paving — USA
• Klean Carbon USA — Tire Pyrolysis
• Feasibility Studies
• Turn-Key DBC / EPC

Turning America’s Waste Tires into Value

Kentucky’s 77.4% recycling rate shows a mature state market, but the pressure on tire-derived fuel markets points to a growing need for higher-value outlets like recovered carbon black and pyrolysis oil.

Klean Industries helps recyclers, states and operators move scrap tires up the value chain with turn-key tire pyrolysis, recovered carbon black and crumb rubber plants.

Looking to develop a higher-value end market for scrap tires in the US?

Contact Klean Industries about US tire recycling » GO.