# Talking Tires Podcast

**Welcome to Talking Tires, the podcast that delves deep into the world of tires. Join us as we explore everything from the science behind manufacturing to the latest innovations in tire recycling. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of tires, including how they work, how to maintain them, and how to dispose of them responsibly. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic, curious car enthusiast, or an avid recycler, Talking Tires is the perfect podcast for anyone who wants to learn about the essential component of the modern vehicle and heavy equipment. So, buckle up and join us for an informative and engaging journey into the world of tires.**

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**Craig Hunter:** All right, welcome to another episode of Talking Tires. I’m your host, Craig Hunter, the president of Tire Reclaim, and I have with me Stratton. Stratton is from Liberty Tire Recycling. Why don’t you give us your specific term because I know you’re in lobbying and things like that, but your specific title?

**Stratton Girtton:** Yeah, absolutely. So, I have one of those titles that doesn’t really sound like what I do. My title is vice president of corporate affairs, which essentially means I represent us before public entities, county governments, state governments, and municipal governments, and then I also handle our communications and marketing.

**Craig Hunter:** Fantastic. Well, I apologize to have to make you explain that, but it really was, you know, I didn’t know lobbyist was the right term. Welcome, and thank you for taking the time.

**Stratton Girtton:** Yeah, my pleasure.

**Craig Hunter:** Liberty Tire does a lot of things, and I got to meet a lot of your great folks at the Liberty Tire get-together a couple of weeks ago in North Carolina. Very interesting with a lot of different personalities, knowledge, and background in tire recycling. I wanted to first learn a little bit about Stratton. How did you get started in tire recycling?

**Stratton Girtton:** Yeah. So, I originally grew up in the panhandle of Florida, on a farm, and in a very small community. For better or worse, I moved to DC almost 20 years ago and have been in the DC area since. I initially worked on Capitol Hill, on some campaigns, then moved overseas and came back, starting sustainability consulting. Through that, I worked with the recycled rubber coalition for a long time, eventually joining Liberty. It’s a great company with a mission I admire, and sustainability is integral to our business model.

**Craig Hunter:** You mentioned finding the right balance between human access and prosperity and keeping an environment. Was sustainability always a core belief?

**Stratton Girtton:** Yes, probably coming from growing up in Florida, with outdoor activities being a huge part of my life. Rather than calling myself an environmentalist, I’d say conservationist fits better. I focus on environmental and energy issues as they are universal, underlying most other issues like trade or agriculture.

**Craig Hunter:** That’s interesting because Liberty seems to be quite forward-thinking with things like route optimization, fleet sustainability. Has there been a pivotal project in your career at Liberty?

**Stratton Girtton:** While it feels like we’re often playing whack-a-mole, making progress in one state that doesn’t necessarily translate to another, there is a sense of a tipping point with changes in state scrap tire laws. States like Utah and Georgia are examples of those embracing effective models with market-based systems, economic models, and comprehensive systems for local governments, which provide steady resources for amnesty programs and cleanups.

**Craig Hunter:** And these models are thriving on a per-tire charge?

**Stratton Girtton:** Yes, typically it’s a dollar per tire, but many states face challenges in applying these funds to their intended purposes. Oversight and transparency could significantly improve across many states.

**Craig Hunter:** With many discussions on education and the sustainability of recycling tire materials, do you think it’s crucial for advancing these practices?

**Stratton Girtton:** Education is indeed crucial. Most people spend less time thinking about tires than we do, so conveying the significant research and positive outcomes on safety and recycling is vital. Programs like the Better Play initiative are instrumental in communicating safety aspects to consumers. Moreover, stakeholder engagement is key to improving transparency and oversight, and aligning policies with desired outcomes.

In closing, effective dialogue among stakeholders can solve industry problems. We can achieve sustainable goals through clearer communication and collaboration, knowing well that our industry is capable of handling challenges efficiently. It’s about making more connections and spreading the right information.

**Craig Hunter:** Well, Stratton, thank you so much for joining us here today. It’s been an enlightening discussion.

**Stratton Girtton:** Thank you, Craig. It’s been a pleasure.