Liberty Tire Recycling Expands into Alabama with Two New Facilities

According to reports from Liberty Tire Recycling and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), North America’s leading full-service tire recycler is expanding its operations into Alabama with two new recycling facilities. The move aligns with Alabama’s efforts to phase out the landfilling of whole waste tires, marking a significant step toward sustainable waste management and job creation across the state.

It is reported that Liberty will open its first facility in the Mobile area in early 2026 to serve southern and central Alabama, while a second facility in northern Alabama will be announced next year. Both plants will produce tire-derived fuel (TDF), a low-emission alternative fuel widely used in the pulp, paper, and cement industries, and are expected to create up to 60 well-paying jobs with competitive benefits.

According to company sources, the northern Alabama site will also produce rubber feedstock that will be processed into crumb rubber for use in construction materials, asphalt, and sports surfaces. Once operational, Liberty will be able to process over four million waste tires annually in Alabama, extending its service coverage to neighboring regions in Mississippi and North Florida.

Edward Poolos, Director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, said in an official statement that “recycling and reuse are vitally important to Alabama’s environment and economy,” adding that the state looks forward to working closely with Liberty Tire Recycling to build a more sustainable future.

Industry observers note that Alabama’s initiative to restrict the landfilling of whole waste tires positions the state as a regional leader in environmental reform. Previously, Alabama was the only state in the southeastern U.S. that still allowed the disposal of whole tires in landfills—a practice that not only consumed valuable landfill space but also created mosquito breeding sites and attracted tire dumping from neighboring states. The policy shift is expected to drive new opportunities for recycling companies and encourage the development of circular economy infrastructure.

Analysts familiar with the sector note that demand for recycled rubber, alternative fuels, and environmentally responsible processing is rising rapidly across North America. With growing pressure from regulators and industries alike, Alabama’s recycling market is likely to benefit from both economic and environmental gains.

Thomas Womble, CEO of Liberty Tire Recycling, said the company’s investment reflects its long-term commitment to sustainability and partnership with local communities. “Our new locations, and the investments they represent, mean we are even better positioned to meet the needs and recycling initiatives of manufacturers and our other recycling partners,” he stated.

It is also reported that Liberty’s facilities will go beyond tire-derived fuel production. The company will continue to manufacture rubber aggregates, playground materials, asphalt mixtures, and recycled steel wire—further supporting American industries in their sustainability efforts. These innovations underscore Liberty’s commitment to closing the loop in tire recycling and advancing a cleaner, more circular economy.

Source: Liberty Tire Recycling

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Liberty Tire Recycling’s expansion in Alabama reflects the growing alignment between environmental policy and industrial innovation, signaling the state’s steady move toward a more circular and sustainable economy.