Scientists Discover Fungus Capable of Breaking Down Rubber Waste

A newly identified fungus species has demonstrated an impressive ability to break down synthetic rubber, offering a potential breakthrough for recycling old tires and reducing one of the world’s most persistent forms of waste. The discovery could help address the millions of tons of discarded rubber that accumulate in landfills and open storage sites each year.

A Promising Solution to a Long-Standing Waste Problem

Rubber waste—especially from used tires—is notoriously difficult to recycle. Traditional disposal methods such as shredding, burning, or burying create environmental concerns ranging from toxic emissions to long-term soil contamination.

The discovery of a fungus capable of degrading rubber offers a nature-based alternative that is both environmentally friendly and highly scalable. Researchers found that the fungus secretes specialized enzymes that slowly break down the chemical bonds within synthetic rubber, which has long been considered resistant to biodegradation.

How the Fungus Breaks Down Rubber

Laboratory tests show that the fungus can consume rubber materials by:

• Penetrating the rubber surface with microscopic filaments
• Producing enzymes that weaken polymer chains
• Breaking the rubber into smaller, organic components
• Using the degraded material as an energy source

Over several weeks, researchers documented visible changes in rubber samples, including reduced mass, softened texture, and surface pitting—clear signs of biological breakdown.

The team is now working to isolate the most effective enzymatic pathways to understand how the process can be optimized for industrial use.

Implications for Tire Recycling and Beyond

If successfully scaled, the fungus could revolutionize how industries manage rubber waste. Traditional tire recycling relies on mechanical or chemical processes, which can be costly and energy-intensive. A biological solution offers the potential for:

• Lower processing energy requirements
• Reduced toxic byproducts
• More sustainable end-of-life options for rubber goods
• Creation of reusable byproducts for industrial materials

Beyond tires, the fungus may be useful for recycling:

• Rubber flooring
• Industrial hoses
• Shoe soles
• Sealants and gaskets

Scientists believe that with further research, fungal enzymes could be incorporated into controlled bioreactors designed specifically for waste rubber processing.

Environmental Benefits and Global Potential

Reducing rubber waste is critical for addressing several environmental challenges, including:

• Lowering landfill volume
• Preventing the buildup of rubber particles in soil and waterways
• Decreasing the frequency of tire-storage fires, which release toxic smoke
• Supporting a circular economy for durable materials

Because the fungus operates naturally at room temperature, researchers expect the process to have a smaller environmental footprint than conventional recycling methods.

Next Steps in Research and Development

The discovery team plans to:

• Sequence the fungus’s genome
• Identify and isolate the most active rubber-degrading enzymes
• Develop pilot-scale rubber decomposition systems
• Explore commercialization opportunities with recycling companies

Collaboration with materials scientists will also help determine how the degraded rubber materials can be repurposed into new products.

A Natural Path Toward More Sustainable Waste Management

The ability of a fungus to break down synthetic rubber offers an exciting glimpse into how biological solutions can complement traditional recycling efforts. While more research is needed before widespread adoption, this discovery represents a hopeful step toward tackling one of the world’s most difficult waste challenges.

As development continues, fungal rubber recycling could become a valuable tool in the transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.