Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating out the economic components of scrap rubber tires, wherein the rubber tires are passed through a first shredder, a rotary screen, and a magnetic separator. The non-magnetic fraction is then passed through successive second and third rotary screens for separating out fine sand and debris and then for separating out fine particles of rubber and fabric fiber. The fine charge and the coarse charge are directed to respective defibrators which include a rotor in the form of a blade cage through which an airstream is passed carrying rubber particles and fabric fibers. The gate deflects the rubber particles which are then discharged in the the bottom of the defibrator while the lighter fabric fibers pass through the gate in the airstream and are separated out in a cyclone. The coarse rubber particles when discharged from its respective defibrator are recirculated through a second shredder and back to the third rotary screen.