Today, when people think of the environmental impacts of tires, they mostly focus on the management of tires at the end of their useful lives (end-of-life tires, or ELTs), as this topic usually draws the most public attention. Globally, an estimated one billion tires reach the end of their useful lives every year. Disposal of ELTs in environmentally sound and productive ways continues to be a high priority goal of the tire business. Various regional efforts by governmental authorities, the tire industry and individual manufacturers are currently underway to address the issue of ELTs, and good progress is being made. ELT recovery provides cost-effective and environmentally sound energy for several industries. It also provides innovative materials for civil engineering projects. ELTs can replace other limited natural resources. The Tire Industry Project (TIP), under the auspices of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), has put together this overview to explain what ELTs are, what environmental impacts they can have, and what has been and can be done to ensure they are properly managed. ELTs have a variety of uses and they are increasingly being viewed as a resource instead of a waste. Environmental issues continue to be a driving force behind ELT recycling, and as the recycling industry develops with legislative and infrastructure support, it is becoming clear that there can be significant benefits.