How to Get Rid of Old Tires

Rid yourself of old tires in an environmentally responsible manner.

Disposing of old tires falls under state jurisdiction, with 48 states currently having laws or regulations regarding old tires. You cannot simply throw away or dump your old tires, as many states have banned them from landfills. Tires take up space in landfills, provide an ideal breeding ground for insects and contaminate water runoff with hazardous compounds. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2003 the U.S. generated approximately 290 million scrap tires. As of 2010, markets exist to recycle or beneficially use 80 percent of old tires.

Instructions

1. Check with your local municipality regarding tire disposal. Many local jurisdictions have tire amnesty days allowing citizens to drop off tires free of charge.

2. Recycle your old tires through tire recyclers in your area or through community recycling programs. Tire recyclers often charge consumers a fee. Local communities may accept tires for use at schools or playgrounds and local governments often sponsor tire recycling programs. Products made from recycled tires include rubber lumber, mulch, floor mats and flooring.

3. Dispose of used tires at a local tire retailer or service station that accepts and recycles tires. Some states require retailers to accept, for a fee, a specified number of old tires.

4. Sell your tires to someone looking to purchase used tires or to a local tire retailer. Tire retailers retread and resell millions of used tires each year to consumers unable to afford new ones. If your tires still have usable tread, sell them yourself through online classifieds, a local newspaper or a garage sale.

Tips & Warnings

• Most tire retailers accept used tires in exchange for a purchase of new tires.

• When you have your tires changed at a service station, they generally will dispose of the used tires.

• Develop another use for your old tires, such as by turning one into a tire swing or using some as planters in your garden.

• Do not burn tires, as this releases pollutants into the air, soil and water.

• Do not pile old tires outside to collect water, as this provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other disease carrying insects.

References

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Scrap Tires
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Frequent Questions
• Charity Guide: Used Tires: Reuse, Recycle, Retread
• Rubber Manufactures Association: Managing Scrap Tires

Resources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: State Scrap Tire Programs