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Rubber & Oversized Waste·Drop-off only

How to Dispose of Old Car and Truck Tires

Old automobile and truck tires are banned from landfills in nearly every US state because whole tires trap methane gas, bubble up through landfill caps, and pose catastrophic fire risks. Abandoned tires also collect stagnant rainwater, becoming breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Key Takeaway

County transfer stations usually charge a small state tire recycling fee of 3 to 7 dollars per tire to cover processing. Always verify your local municipal hauler requirements before placing large items at the curb.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Leave old tires with your tire shop when buying replacements

Tire retailers are required by state law to collect old tires for recycling when mounting new sets, typically charging a state environmental fee of 2 to 5 dollars per tire.

2
Check for municipal tire amnesty collection days

Many cities and county health departments host free annual tire amnesty events where residents can drop off up to 4 to 8 passenger tires at no charge.

3
Take tires to a licensed scrap tire recycler or transfer station

County solid waste facilities generally accept car tires from residents for a small handling fee per tire, usually 3 to 7 dollars.

4
Repurpose clean tires for gardens or swings

Old tires can be thoroughly scrubbed and upcycled into garden planter beds, retaining walls, or tree swings.

⚠️ Important Rules to Avoid Fines & Hazards

  • Do not place whole tires in curbside rolling garbage carts or set them out for regular weekly trash pickup.
  • Never burn tires; tire fires release toxic black smoke, carcinogenic particulate matter, and hazardous petroleum oil runoff into surrounding waterways.
  • Illegal dumping of tires along roadways or vacant lots carries severe criminal penalties and heavy misdemeanor or felony fines.
Check your city’s exact bulk pickup dates and drop-off depots

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are tires not allowed in regular trash or landfills?▼

Whole tires do not compress well, trap explosive landfill gas, damage landfill liner membranes, and float to the surface over time.

What happens to recycled tires?▼

Recycled tires are shredded into crumb rubber for playground surfaces, athletic turf, asphalt rubber roads, and industrial civil engineering fill.

Can I leave tires on the wheel rims?▼

Transfer stations usually require tires to be dismounted from metal rims before recycling, though scrap metal yards may accept tires mounted on alloy or steel rims.

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