How Tire Recycling Facility Recover and Reuse Steel Wire from Scrap Tires
In every tire recycling facility, bead wire and fine steel are valuable by-products. This article explains how they are removed using tire debeaders and magnets, and how they can be resold or reused in metal industries and beyond.
When people think of tire recycling, they usually focus on the rubber powder or mulch produced. However, another valuable component extracted in every tire recycling facility is steel wire. Used tires typically contain two main types of steel — the bead wire (from the rim area) and fine steel wire (scattered throughout the tire body). Understanding how these are removed and reused can help maximize profit from every tire processed.
Two Types of Steel in Tire Recycling
In any complete Tire Mulch Plant or crumb rubber plant, steel must be removed from tires before the rubber is further processed. The two main types are:
Bead Wire
Bead wire is the thick steel ring embedded along the inner edges of the tire (the part that touches the rim). These wires are extremely strong and must be removed before shredding. This process is done by a specialized machine called a tire debeader. Without a tire debeader, attempting to shred whole tires can severely damage blades or overload the system.
To meet the diverse needs of different tire recycling facilities, we provide three specialized machines for removing bead wire from tires, depending on the tire size and production method:
Bead wire is high in carbon content and quality, making it suitable for direct resale to steel foundries or metal recycling companies. It can also be reused in steel product manufacturing such as wire mesh or fasteners.
Fine Steel Wire
As the tire is shredded in a tire recycling facility or Tire Mulch Plant, additional fine steel wires — especially from radial tires — are exposed. These hair-like steel filaments are often mixed with the rubber chips or powder. A magnetic separator is used in the line to remove these steel fines after shredding or grinding.
Fine steel wire is less pure than bead wire but still recyclable. It is commonly used in steel melting plants, sintering processes, or for producing steel wool and industrial brushes.
Why Recovered Steel Adds Value
Whether you operate a small-scale crumb rubber plant or a large industrial tire recycling facility, collecting and selling steel wire can provide a significant secondary revenue stream. While the rubber becomes mulch or powder, the extracted steel — especially bead wire — is a high-value scrap metal.
In a well-designed Tire Mulch Plant or crumb rubber plant, every part of the tire is recycled — including the steel. Investing in the right machinery, like a quality tire debeader and magnetic separator, ensures that your tire recycling facility gets the most out of each tire, both in terms of product quality and profitability.
We offer complete solutions for rubber and steel recovery — from tire debeaders to magnetic separators. Contact us today to get a tailored plan for your tire processing business.