Since last weekend, 16th July 2006 to be precise, it is illegal to dump tyres (even shredded ones) into landfill in the UK and Europe.
All tyres removed from cars must now be recycled, recovered or re-used with options including re-treading, use as alternative fuel, reprocessing into chip and crumb for use in rubberised playing field surfaces,roadways and drainage systems. Used tyres can also be used for building eco-friendly Earthship homes.
Over 100,000 used tyres are removed from vehicles every day in the UK, with about 25% ending up in landfill in 2004. A ban on the landfilling of whole tyres came into force in July 2003. The full ban includes all tyres except bicycle tyres and large vehicle tyres (with a diameter above 1400mm).
Via: letsrecycle.com