Rubber mulches made from shredded tires are touted by manufacturers as permanent, aesthetically pleasing, and safe for flowers, plants and pets. Companies assert that the mulch material is an environmentally friendly solution to a major waste-disposal problem.Click to see full answer. Accordingly, is rubber mulch biodegradable?Currently, biodegradable or compostable plastic mulches are being created to respond to environmental issues and awareness, and in accordance with ASTM standards. Recycled rubber is fast gaining popularity as an alternative sustainable mulching material. It is made from either shredded old tires or sneaker soles.One may also ask, is rubber eco friendly? Natural rubber or tree-derived rubber is eco-friendly. Harvesting and using the product itself has less impact on the environment. The Rubber tree is a sustainable crop and helps maintain the global carbon balance in the atmosphere. Natural rubber can be recycled. Simply so, does rubber mulch hurt the environment? Rubber mulch not only contains mineral and organic building blocks, it may also contain plasticizers and accelerators used during tire manufacturing that are harmful to the environment. This material is highly persistent in the environment and toxic to aquatic organisms.Will rubber mulch kill my plants?When compared to organic mulching materials, rubber performs poorly. Although the process may take a bit longer, rubber will eventually break down in the same way as organic mulches. As they degrade, tire composites leach a myriad of harmful toxins that can harm or kill your landscape plants.