How to Dispose of Old Tires: The Complete Guide

If you've ever changed your own tires or found some old ones on your property, you know how hard it can be to get rid of them. It's hard to get rid of tires through regular trash pickup because they are big, dirty, and hard to get rid of. When you type in "how to get rid of old tires," you quickly find out that most states in the U.S. have strict rules about where tires can and can't go.

You need legal, easy, and environmentally friendly ways to get rid of things like old tires from a DIY car project, cleaning out your garage, or running a small business. That's exactly what this guide will help you do. We will help you know how to dispose of old tires.

Why You Can't Just Throw Away Old Tires 🔗

Before we talk about how to get rid of things, there's one important thing you need to know. In most states in the U.S., it is against the law or very hard to throw away tires in a landfill. This is why.

• Tires don't break down: It can take hundreds of years for a tire to break down. When put in a landfill, it traps air and often rises or "floats" back to the surface, which damages landfill liners and is bad for the environment.

• Tires are a big fire hazard: Tire fires are hotter, last longer, and are more dangerous than regular fires. Once they catch fire, they are very hard to put out and can burn for days or even weeks.

• Tires draw pests: Old tires that have standing water in them are great places for mosquitoes and rodents to breed. That means diseases like Zika and West Nile virus could spread.

• Damage to the environment: When tires break down, they let chemicals and heavy metals into the soil and water.

• Rules for U.S. landfills: Most states don't allow whole tires to be thrown away in city landfills. Some places let you shred tires, but only in certain situations.

So, if you're asking yourself, "Can you throw tires in a landfill?" The short answer is no, and there's a good reason for that.

Learn more: How to Dispose of Old Office Furniture: A Complete Guide

How to Dispose of Old Tires: Step-by-step Guide 🔗

Different ways to get rid of things are better for different needs. Here are the best ways to get rid of old tires in the U.S. that are both legal and useful, whether you have one tire or a whole load.

Step 1. Set up a professional service to pick up your tires. 🔗

A professional pickup service is the best way to get rid of old tires quickly and easily, without having to load them in your trunk or look for recycling centers.

How it works 🔗

• You can schedule a pickup online or by phone.
• A team comes, loads the tires, and takes them to a recycling center that is licensed.
• You get rid of everything at once, with no need to sort, haul, or guess.

Why this is the easiest way 🔗

• You don't need a truck or van.
• Best for more than one tire
• Great for homeowners and small businesses that are busy
• Saves time and keeps you from getting fined for throwing things away wrong.

What professionals do with your tires 🔗

Most companies that get rid of tires, like GetWeCycle, put recycling first. They turn old tires into:

• Mulch made of rubber
• Asphalt for streets
• Running tracks
• Surfaces of playgrounds
• Fuel from tires
• Materials for building

This is the easiest choice if you want an eco-friendly option that doesn't require any work.

Step 2. Bring your tires to a nearby recycling center for tires. 🔗

You can take your tires straight to a recycler if you only have one or two and don't mind driving.

What will happen 🔗

• Most places charge between $3 and $10 for each tire.
• Some say that the tires need to be taken off the rims.
• A lot of centers are only open on weekdays.

How to locate a place to recycle 🔗

• Look up "tire recycling near me."
• Look at Earth911
• Go to your county's website for waste management.

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When this choice makes sense 🔗

• You have a car that can carry the tires.
• You want the least expensive way to get rid of it.
• You only need to drop off a few tires.

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Step 3. Take advantage of local tire drop-off events 🔗

A lot of cities have tire collection events every year or season for their residents.

Pros 🔗

• Sometimes free or cheap
• Good for homes with one to four tires
• Legal disposal is guaranteed.

Cons 🔗

• Only valid on certain dates
• Often only for tires on passenger vehicles
• Usually only for people who live there (ID needed)

This is a cheap choice if you don't mind waiting. But if you need the tires gone right away, a pickup service is faster.

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Step 4. Take tires back to stores or auto shops 🔗

Some tire stores will take old tires even if you didn't buy them there.

• Places that might take old tires:
• Tire Discount
• Walmart Auto Care Centers
• Firestone
• Goodyear Service Centers
• Mechanics in your area

Costs 🔗

• Most stores charge $3 to $5 to get rid of tires.

Best for 🔗

• Taking off tires at home
• People who live close to big tire stores
• Anyone who is putting new tires on their car

If you want to know how to get rid of old tires while buying new ones, many stores will take your old tires when they put on new ones.

Step 5. Scrap yards and licensed tire haulers 🔗

If you have more than one tire, especially from:

• Building sites
• Farms
• Car repair shops
• Towing and salvaging scrap yards and haulers are a great choice.

Pros 🔗

• Great for getting rid of a lot of scrap tires
• Pricing by the tire or by the ton
• Some people buy tires if they can still sell them.

Cons 🔗

• Not every scrap yard will take tires.
• A truck is needed to move a lot of tires.
• This is one of the best ways to "bulk load."

Step 6. Recycling or upcycling tires 🔗

Reusing tires doesn't help with getting rid of a lot of them, but it works well for one or two.

• Uses that are creative
• Planters for the garden
• Swings with tires
• Steps outside
• Borders for the sandbox
• Exercise gear (flips, drag tires)

Note: Tires that are kept outside can still attract bugs, so upcycling is best when you know exactly what you want to do with them, not as a way to store them for a long time.

Learn more: How to Remove A Bathroom Sink by Professionals

Illegal & Unsafe Disposal Methods to Avoid 🔗

If you don't throw away your tires properly, you could get fined, hurt the environment, and put your safety at risk. This is what you shouldn't do.

1. Throwing tires in the woods, alleys, or empty lots 🔗

Every state in the U.S. says this is against the law. Depending on where you live, fines can be anywhere from $500 to more than $5,000.

2. Tires on fire 🔗

When tires burn, they release harmful chemicals like:

• Oxides of sulfur
• Carbon monoxide
• Compounds that are volatile
• Heavy metals

It is against the law, bad for the environment, and very dangerous.

3. Putting tires in the trash 🔗

There are good reasons to ban landfills: tires rise to the surface and damage buildings. Even tires that have been cut up must go to the right places.

4. Leaving tires behind at a store or business 🔗

A lot of people think that tire shops will take tires that have been left behind. They won't, and it could get both the business and the person who dumped them in trouble with the law.

5. Leaving tires on the curb without permission 🔗

Some cities will fine you if you leave your tires on the curb when they aren't supposed to be there. Always check the rules in your area.

Learn more: How to Dispose of an Air Conditioner Safely

Tips to Make Tire Disposal Easier & Cheaper 🔗

These tips will help you save time, money, and trouble, whether you choose to drop off your items yourself or have a professional pick them up.

Remove the Rims Before Disposal 🔗

Many recycling centers charge less for tires that don't have rims. You can save $1 to $3 per tire by taking them off.

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Call Ahead to Check Fees 🔗

Prices change based on:

• Size of the tire
• If it still has rims
• Your town

Whether it's a passenger tire, a truck tire, or a business tire. A quick call can help you avoid surprises.

Store Tires Properly Before Disposal 🔗

If you need to keep them for a while:

• Keep them inside or under a cover.
• Stay away from standing water
• If you can, lay them flat.
• Storing things correctly can stop mosquitoes from breeding.

See If Your City Offers Seasonal Free Disposal Days 🔗

• You might be able to get rid of 2 to 4 tires for free a few times a year.

Check If Your Tires Are Still Usable 🔗

You might be able to:

• Sell them again
• Give them away
• Give them to people in your area who like off-roading or motorsports.
• If the tread is still in good shape, someone might want to buy them from you.

Compare the Cost of DIY Drop-Off vs. Pickup 🔗

Doing it yourself is cheaper, but it takes:

• A car
• Loading
• Study
• Time

Professional pickup costs more, but it saves you time and trouble, especially if you have more than one tire.

Know more: Hazardous Waste Disposal Cost: A Complete Guide

When to Hire a Professional Disposal Service 🔗

GetWeCycle is a great professional tire disposal service if you want to get rid of old tires in the easiest and least stressful way. People choose professional pickup when:

You don't have a car that can carry tires. Sedans are not made to carry tires, especially dirty or larger truck tires.

You have more than one tire or a lot of scrap metal. A DIY trip gets harder and takes longer the more tires you have.

You want the removal to happen on the same day or right away. No waiting for city events or hours to drop off trash at the landfill.

Your local dump won't take tires. Many cities no longer let people throw away tires at city dumps.

You don't want to risk getting fined or throwing things away wrong. Professional services make sure:

• Handling legally
• Getting around
• Recycling
• Writing down
• Following the laws of the state

Know more: How Wecycle is Changing the Junk Removal Industry

Conclusion 🔗

It may seem hard to get rid of old tires at first, but once you know the rules and your choices, it gets a lot easier. You can't throw away tires in a landfill or leave them lying around. Instead, you can drop them off at a recycling center, go to a local tire collection event, return them to a store, or use them for something else at home.

Professional tire disposal is the best option when you need the quickest, easiest, and most dependable answer. GetWeCycle will pick up your old tires today if you're ready to get rid of them. We'll take care of the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions 🔗

1. Is it okay to throw tires in the landfill?

No. Most states in the U.S. don't allow whole tires in landfills because they hurt the liners, trap gases, and are bad for the environment.

2. What's the cheapest way to get rid of old tires?

The cheapest way to get rid of them is usually to take them to a local recycling center or go to a city-sponsored tire disposal event.

3. Do companies that remove junk take old tires?

Yes, a lot of them do, especially eco-friendly services like GetWeCycle.

4. How do you get rid of a lot of old tires?

You can call licensed tire haulers, scrap yards, or a tire disposal service to set up a bulk pickup.

5. Is there a way to recycle tires for free?

Sometimes. Some county programs and city events have free disposal days, but the days vary by location.

6. Do Walmart or Discount Tire take used tires?

Some places will take old tires for a fee. It's best to call ahead because policies are different.

7. How many tires can I bring to a recycling event?

Depending on the rules in your area, most events let each household bring 2 to 4 tires.

8. What do people do with old tires?

They are turned into rubber mulch, playground surfaces, road materials, or fuel alternatives. This helps the environment by cutting down on waste and supporting eco-friendly manufacturing.