Getting rid of tires can be a challenge since most waste haulers won’t accept them in their dumpsters or curbside trash pickup. “Most states eliminate tires from landfills because their shape. They hold a lot of air and it causes them to migrate to the surface. They also have value as a recycled item,” said Diane Bickett, executive director at Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District in Ohio.
This is why it is important to make a plan of how to either reuse or recycle tires before purchasing new ones. So, what can you do with old tires? We’ve rounded up a few ways you can safely and legally get rid of them.
Research Where You Can Recycle Tires Near You
Specialized recycling organizations around the country take and recycle used tires; some will even come and pick them up for you. There is usually a fee associated with recycling tires, whether you drop them off or someone picks them up for you.
If the fee concerns you, remember there are almost no free ways to get rid of tires, outside of turning your tires into a DIY project. Old tires can be turned into fuel, paving material, mulch and more at tire recycling centers. If you have a stash of tires you need to get rid of, these facilities are a good option for you. However, in some states you must be licensed to haul a large number of tires at one time and that number can vary depending on the state.
To Find a Tire Recycling Facility Near You:
- Find a tire recycling center near you.
- Call your local recycling center and ask what items they accept and if tires are included.
- Check with your regional EPA office for information on tire recycling regulations and facilities.
- Call your city services department or your county’s solid waste district for resources.
- Search for a community-hosted tire collection program. Communities around the nation occasionally host events to collect tires for free or at a reduced cost with the goal of reducing illegal tire dumping.
Check If Your Local Auto Shop Recycles Used Tires
When you buy new tires, most auto shops will recycle your old tires for a fee by handing them off to an EPA-certified recycler. This is the easiest way to ensure your old tires are put to good use since you won’t have to worry about dropping them off at a recycler yourself or coordinate a pickup.
The Experts Say:
When you buy new tires, don’t bring your old tires home. There is a cost to the public to manage improperly recycled tires. Pay the tire fee to dispose of it properly at the point of purchase.
Diane Bickett | Executive Director, Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District
Find a Creative Use for Old Tires
If you already have an old tire at home and are a looking for a unique way to turn it into a DIY project, here are a few of our favorites:
- Upcycled tire ottoman: Perfect for indoor or outdoor use, this simple project turns a tire into a great side table or foot stool. A great project for a DIY beginner, but at least one power tool is required.
- Recycled tire ladder: A great addition to an existing swing set or playground, create a ladder that is easy and fun to climb for kids of all sizes. A bit more involved, this project is better for a moderately experienced DIYer.
- Tire flower planter: A cute addition to a rustic patio, turn your old tire into a way to display your favorite potted plant. While tires are fine to grow flowers in, they should not be used as planters for anything edible because of the chemicals they contain. Perfect for a beginner, but again, a power drill is necessary.
- Tire swing: You can never go wrong with a classic. The most traditional recycled tire project is also one of the easiest. All that’s required is a rope and a sturdy tree, but it’s a good idea to drill holes in the bottom of the tire to prevent rainwater collection if you have a drill on hand. Good for a beginner.
Tires are a challenge to get rid of but they aren’t the only item that requires special attention during disposal. If you are throwing away other items, like a mattress or furniture, check out our bulk waste resource for additional tips.
I have a 100 semi truck full of truck tires I don’t know anyone who recycles them do you
Hi Joe,
You can use this recycling search to find the nearest tire recycling facility near you. Hope this helps – thanks for commenting!
If u find some one that picks up old tires recycles them please email me. We bought a farm with lots to get rid of. Thank u penelope
i have a lot of tires to dispose of.the landfield is not accepting.i heard of a place thats uses tire for playground .i need to get rid of tires asap.
I have really decent tires I can give away for multi purpose use please contact me
Do you still have the tires, if so, what kind and size are they? How many do you have?
I work at a recycling tire center, we collect and take all tires car tires and truck tires.
What’s the location of this place?
Where do you work? I have lots of tires I need to get rid of.
where are you located?
I have probably over 1500 2000 tires have them are good we had a scrapyard here and we have a pile of tires left over
I can probably have them delivered to you
40% of the tires are good
I have about 300 tires to get moved from my property can you please help me I don’t have any money to pay for the help
Email me please, i need tires can come to collect them, old used ones
I live in ny. Where ate you located because my father has 86 normal size tires that he needs to get rid of asap?
We are looking to get rid of a huge amount of tires at my business. Please email ASAP!!!
I have like 500 old used tires I need to get rid of I live in athena ,oregon 5419691619
We bought an old farm and come to find out they used to work for a tire company and they let the company dump the tires on the farm. We just got rid of the garbage and now we need to get rid of the tires and then the metals. I’m trying to help the environment and had thought about using them as a bulkhead for a pond that already exist with lots of fish in it and knowing you can’t grow edible plants in them I am thinking of the fish. It would be nice to do something constructive with them but I’m not interested in a tire home knowing the break down of the chemicals in them. Just need to get rid of them like you. If you find a way please let me know.
How much are them tires because you are getting rid of them I want to know I can have them and I can make some stuff out it a garden stuff if that is okay with you
Miss Heather,
Where are you from? I have a lot of old tires all sizes willing to give away. My father in law was a tireman.
Heather where are you located? If you’re still interested in tires I have one. I need to get rid of it and unless you can use it I’ll have to pay the recycling fee. Please let me know. Thanks
Where are you located at. I have a few tires that I need to get rid of. If you want them you can contact me (Howard), at 989-745-8856. I live in Crawford county.
I have 25 tires at one of my rental houses in Rex GA if you want them.
I have a bunch of tires every size brand and cool ones to use for building something with . You know the ones that have metal spokes poking out and coming unraveled.
So call me if you want to come take as many as you like. (520) 224-7394.
Needing a place to get rid of a lot of used tires for free. I thought there were recycling centers that chopped up old tires for playground material. I live in Ohio zip code 44212 is there any place that will take them?
Hi Merlyn,
Unfortunately, most tire recycling programs are not free, but for 44212 (Brunswick in Medina County), it looks like you may be able to recycle tires through the county’s scrap tire management program – hope this is helpful, thanks for commenting!
I have about 50 car and truck tires that I want to have recycled. I will gladly pay someone to come and get them, as long as I can be sure that they will be recycled and not landfilled or dumped off somewhere. If you reply to this , pleas have some credentials.
Hi Richard,
Your tire recycling options will depend on your location – try this recycling search to find local options near you.
Hope this is helpful, thanks for reading!
I have 10 tires and live in Rhode Island to pick up 10 tires going to cost me over 300 dollars bought this home and now told cause other owner didn’t remove tires now my problem
I live on small income can’t afford to pay someone to remove someone problem
Can you help me find a place that takes tires thanks Jacalyn
Hi Jacalyn,
If disposal through the city isn’t an option for you, it may be helpful to look into all tire disposal options in your town through the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation or check out your local recycling options here.
Hope this is helpful, and thanks for reading!
I might be able to take those tires from you. email me please.
thanks.
I’m cleaning up n got bout like 20 maybe few more
Hi, Wendy,
Not sure where you are, but w have about 15 tires…various sizes from the different vehicles tht have been purchaed through the years. If you’d like them and live nearby to pick them up, please let me know.
Were is the tire recycling plant at in california
I know this is different, but id like to buy some old tires, where could I get different size tires,
I am doing some craft stuff with them and I need different sizes, pleases could you get back with me,
could you email me some phone number, in traverse , if there is any places there. Thank you
I have a back yard full of tires all sizes come get
We have about 100 truck tires we would like to get rid of but every place wants 1000s of dollars to take them
I’m looking for someone to pick up used truck tires to recycle or dispose. I have over 50 used tires. I’m in Orlando,Fl.
I’m cleaning up n got bout like 20 maybe few more
Heather wilson we have over 2000 tires of different sizes if you won’t them all for free.
Where are you located?
I have over 300 tires. Big truck and auto tires. In Arkansas. You want them?
We can’t find anyone in Seattle who recycles bias semi-truck tires. -_-
I have some old tires in elkhart in you can have
574 596 9300
Looking to get rid of around 50-75 old car and truck tires just wondering if there is any recycling place near me and what the cost would be? Or if anyone is interested in them they can have them? Located in Prattville, Al
I have over a 1000 tires an I’m in Ohio Ravenna Ohio an the county is going to fine me I have from 13 inch up to 22 inch some good an some bad an I tried used tire shops they said they don’t need any I even tried gocart places know I don’t know what to do can anyone plz help me if anyone needs pictures I can get them or a video of all the tires or send me in the right direction I would really appreciate it
We are in the process of cleaning up for my dad who was a self employed mechanic for 60 years. I don’t think he ever got rid of any of his tires! It’s going to cost a small fortune to take them to recycling. Is there any possibility that they could be sold directly to a business that re-purposes them?