Rubber mulch breaks down much more slowly than traditional wood mulch, helping keep the used tires out of landfills.
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Remove the steel belt from the tires using a reciprocating saw or dremel and a chisel. Cut the sidewall out of the tire with a utility knife. Wear heavy leather gloves to protect your hands from the sharp blades.
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Rent an industrial shredder. Before renting, check with the rental firm that the machine is approved for use on tires.
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Cut the tires into pieces small enough to fit into the shredder. Insert them into the shredder according to the machine's directions.
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Use a serrated knife to cut up your tires if you do not have access to a shredder. The pieces should be about 1 inch square. This is a tedious process, and you will need to sharpen your blade frequently.
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Apply the mulch to your garden. Because the rubber is so dense, it should be applied at half the depth of wood mulch.