LINDEN, Texas -- Crew members feed a line of old tires onto a belt, which in turn propels them into a waiting set of turning metal teeth waiting to shred them into pieces. Once that process is complete, they are hauled away, combined with dirt and then that mixture is used to fill old mining pits. Eventually, the filled pit will be covered with topsoil, generously seeded with trees, and eventually become reclaimed forestland.

These efforts are the purpose of ArkLaTex Tire Processing, LP, which started operations in November and has seen a steady increase of business since then.

"We easily process in excess of 1,000 tires a day," said Stephen McLemore, managing partner and director of operations. "Our current equipment setup can process many times that. Already we are planning on adding to our crew early next year and are planning on expanding on the equipment in our operation."

Jason Barke, site manager, says that despite the high tempo operation, he and his crew emphasize safety at all times.

"We monitor the machinery from several points and all of them have the ability and authority to shut things down if they spot a problem," he said. "Also, if we have to be near the machinery, we have personalized locks to secure the controls so it can't be turned on until things are safe."

ArkLaTex Tire Processing is what is referred to in the industry as a LRUP, or land reclamation project using tires, state permitted.

"We are the only one licensed in the area," said McLemore. "We have been extremely busy since we opened up, and we knew that would be the case, since there is very much need for outfits like ours. Before LRUPs, states had other plans for tire disposal, but they weren't always followed."

There are areas known for collecting old tires, including illegal dump sites, some of which have been recently discovered or cleared.

"I see the need for responsible, legal used-tire disposal not going away any time soon," he said. "And it is everywhere, not just here."

McLemore emphasizes they are the only operation of its type in the area. They work with a wide range of organizations, both government and private, that need tire disposal. And ... they emphasize cleanliness.

"We don't let tires collect," he said. "We process them quickly. Also, we offer courteous service and professionalism. We have customers commenting on that all the time."

(For more information, contact [email protected] or go to processtires.com online. They are located at 932 CR 1123, Linden, Texas.)

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