The byproduct of industry: One thing that has made America great through the years is our abundance of natural resources. Many of these raw materials are buried deep underground. So there are logistical issues with bringing the resources to the surface and then transporting them through the refining processes. One solution to moving material is the development of conveyor systems. The main component of these conveyors is the long, long pieces of rubber that the material rides on. Of course, we know this as conveyor belting. There are miles and miles of this rubber belting throughout our country. And just like with any wear part, it eventually has to get replaced.
And one of the great things about used conveyor belting is that it is often replaced long before it is really beat up. These huge mines can’t afford to have a whole mine shutdown if a belt breaks unexpectedly. So they replace belts well in advance of the belting wearing out.
The repurpose:
How can you re-use a nice piece of scrap belting?
To understand some repurposing possibilities, let’s look at some of the specs on this rubber. First it comes in various widths ranging from 24” to 72”. Thicknesses can be as thin as ¼” all the way to 1”+. Most all belting is multi-ply so there is incredible strength, and these layers keep any puncture from spreading. Remember, this belting is designed to carry tons of sharp, pointed things like rock and ore over thousands of feet. So you know it is tough!
Some of the re-uses include flooring for all kinds of different things like the shop, barn, trailers, etc. Some people cut it into strips (you can do this with a utility knife) and use it as snow plow blade deflectors. Some hang targets with these strips at the shooting range. Still others put it on edges of their horse stables to stop “cribbing.” It is often used as protective matting to protect landscaping and pavement when heavy equipment is being used.
As always, if you have a unique “repurposing” idea, please contact me through the website. PD
Damon Carson is the owner of www.repurposedmaterialsinc.com in Denver, Colorado. The company has a diverse selection of repurposed products for sale. Its motto is: “recycling by re-using byproducts of industry.”
Check out Damon's other repurposing ideas:
Repurposed corner: Street sweeper brooms
Repurposed corner: Recycled billboard tarps
