Is the inner tube recyclable?

[Massimo]

I mean can it be wasted among the recyclable rubbish?

 

[Cubist]

I mean can it be wasted among the recyclable rubbish?

I don't think so. However, inner tubes are a vital source of rubber bands, p clip buffers, non-slip light mount liners, chainstay wraps, spare valve cores, tubeless valves, so why bin them? @Arch will be along withe the definitive answer, and a recipe for home brewed handbags.

 

[Blue]

Also good for under new bar tape if a little bit of cushioning is required.

 

[Cuchilo]

Or wrap them around your head for that "Rambo" look

 

[Blue]

I also use them as grips on the aero bars for TT races.

 

[MikeG]

Another good use is for tying up plants and young trees in the garden, as they are flexible and allow the plant to grow without damaging them.

Always cut old tubes in half, though, if you are going to keep them. Otherwise you WILL get them mixed up with your good ones.

 

[Blue]

Another good use is for tying up plants and young trees in the garden, as they are flexible and allow the plant to grow without damaging them.

Always cut old tubes in half, though, if you are going to keep them. Otherwise you WILL get them mixed up with your good ones.

That last point is a good call, I do the same.

 

[jayonabike]

I glued all my old tubes together to make a gimp suit.

 

[smokeysmoo]

As Cubist mentioned in post #2, @Arch will indeed have an answer, she recycles tubes and tyres into all sorts of things

 

[Massimo]

I wonder if I can use for fixing other tubes instead of the patches...

 

[Arch]

I wonder if I can use for fixing other tubes instead of the patches...

I don't see why not. Probably best to use the outer side to stick to the tube you're patching, not the inside, which will have a powdered surface, and the glue wouldn't stick properly. Probably best to cut the tube open into a long strip and wash it well to de-grease and de-powder it.

As everyone has said, I use them to make other stuff out of, but they have a million other uses, like shims, rubber bands, tree-ties, bungees.

However, ultimately, no, they probably won't be recyclable in your household recycling box. There are companies that recycle car tyres, chipping them to made a soft surface for riding schools, but they usually don't deal in bike stuff, too small. If you're really keen, check with your local authority though, as rules vary hugely across the country.

I trust you're not throwing them out until well patched? At work, our load trikes don't get new tubes until the old ones have a dozen patches on...

 

[slowmotion]

"Funwear"?

 

[Donger]

I'm sure a restaurant I visited last week has been blanching them and serving them up as squid rings.

 

[SS Retro]

A few years back you used to put your tools in a section of old tube under your saddle, nowadays I cut them into little rubber bands to hold tyre levers pump etc together in my jersey pockets, some great uses suggested above.

 

[ufkacbln]

...and insulation!

Apparently camera battery shortting due to contact plates becoming in contact is a fire risk

Encasing the contact end of the battery in a small length of inner tube prevents this