How to Dispose of Tires Responsibly: Recycling & Disposal Tips

If you’re tackling a garage cleanout or restoring your vehicle, you may find yourself with some old tires on your hands. While you might be tempted to simply toss them in the nearest dumpster, it’s essential to realize that tires are actually among the things you should recycle.

However, there’s a good chance your local recycling company won’t pick up your tires from the curbside, so you’ll need to learn how to navigate the recycling process.

In our guide on how to dispose of tires that are no longer usable, we’ll address everything you need to know about safely recycling these unsightly worn-out rubber treads. Follow along to find out more.

Stacks of used car tires piled beside a no parking sign and a red bucket.

Why Proper Old Tire Disposal Matters

It’s crucial to learn how to dispose of old tires properly because they are made of non-biodegradable materials, such as steel and rubber, which means they won’t naturally break down. In fact, some studies suggest an old tire could take 50 to 80 years to start degrading!

Therefore, if you don’t know what to do with old tires, they could wind up taking up valuable space in landfills for years to come, which isn’t doing the environment any favors.

Dangers of Improper Tire Disposal

Knowing tires take a long time to begin to degrade and can overcrowd landfills, it’s crucial to understand that improper disposal also presents a range of hazards.

The following are just a few risks associated with the improper handling of used tires:

Fire hazards: Tires are highly flammable, and when stacked, can easily ignite, causing uncontrollable fires. When burned, the tires also release harmful pollutants into the air.
Environmental pollutants: The chemicals in tires can leach into the soil and waterways, contaminating and polluting ecosystems, thereby harming them.
Insect breeding grounds: Insects, such as mosquitoes, are often drawn to old tires that may be filled with water. These mosquito breeding grounds could contribute to the spread of diseases, such as the West Nile virus.

Why You Can’t Throw Tires in the Trash

Due to the aforementioned risks associated with improper tire disposal, it’s recommended that you not put your tires in the regular trash. Your local waste management company will not accept tires placed for trash pickup, either curbside or in dumpsters, so you must learn how to get rid of old tires the right way.

How to Dispose of Tires Safely and Legally

So, how do you handle old tire disposal then? Recycle them!

While recycling is the solution, and we now know curbside pickup is not an option, the smartest alternative is to research tire recycling initiatives in your area to find where you can safely and legally drop off your tires.

The good news is that your community likely offers various solutions for recycling your tires.

Where to Dispose of Old Tires in Your Area

Rules and regulations regarding rubber tire recycling may depend on the city or state where you reside, but the following are some common solutions.

Check to see if these options are available in your community:

Waste Management Facilities: Contact your local waste management facility to determine if they accept tire drop-offs.
Tire Recycling Events: Check to see if your city hosts special tire recycling events specifically for unwanted tires.
Full-Service Junk Removal Companies: Hire a junk removal team that specializes in tire removal and disposal. They’ll come to your location and collect your tires for you.
Auto Shops or Tire Dealers: Ask the auto shops and tire dealers in your neighborhood if they collect used tires. Please note that some may charge a fee for this service.

How Tire Recycling Works and Why It’s Important

Now that you know how to dispose of tires, what exactly happens to them once they get recycled?

After you’ve dropped off your tires with a reputable recycling program, the sorting process begins. This involves removing any metal, which gets separately recycled.

Next, your tires may be used in the following ways:

Shredded down and used to create asphalt found on roads, playground surfaces, and even tracks.
Burned for fuel during the cement production process.
Retreaded to create new tires.
Repurposed into other products like flooring and mats.

Recycle Your Old Tires the Right Way Today!

Figuring out how to dispose of tires isn’t rocket science, but it is crucial to understand so that you can do your part in helping protect the environment.

If you have some old tires on your hands, allow The Junkluggers to get rid of them for you. We offer convenient same-day junk removal service, meaning we’ll come to you, remove all your unwanted tires, and find eco-friendly solutions for them. We take care of everything, so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing we’ve safely and properly disposed of your tires.

Ready to get started? Book now!