You just got a fresh set of tires for your car. It feels great to drive safely again, but now you have a problem: a stack of old, dirty rubber sitting in your garage or backyard.
Most people don’t realize how difficult it is to get rid of old tires until they try. You cannot simply throw them in your regular trash bin, and most dumpsters won’t accept them. In fact, dumping tires in landfills is illegal in many states because they take up too much space and trap gases that can cause dangerous fires.
So, what should you do?
If you are wondering how to dispose of tires without breaking the law or hurting the environment, you have options. Here are the four best ways to handle tire disposal, ranging from the easiest method to the most creative.
The Easiest Option: On-Demand Junk Removal
If you want the tires gone today without lifting a finger, this is your best choice.
Dealing with old tires is messy. They are heavy, they smell, and they leave black marks on your clothes and car interior if you try to haul them yourself.
Grunber offers a simple solution. We connect you with local drivers who are ready to pick up your junk immediately. Think of it like a ride-share app, but for your unwanted items. You book a pickup, a driver comes to your location, loads the tires, and takes them away to be recycled properly.
Why choose this option?
- Convenience: You don’t have to load dirty tires into your clean car.
- Speed: We offer same-day service in most cities.
- Eco-Friendly: Grunber is committed to ESG principles. We ensure tires are taken to proper recycling facilities, not dumped in a field.
Tire Retailers and Auto Shops
If you are already at a shop buying new tires, this is the most common answer to where to dispose of tires.
Most major tire retailers and auto service centers will take your old tires when you buy new ones. They usually charge a small “tire disposal fee” per tire. This fee covers the cost of a hauler coming to collect them from the shop.
Keep in mind:
- If you just show up with old tires without buying new ones, some shops may refuse them or charge a higher fee.
- Call ahead to confirm they accept drop-offs from non-customers.
Municipal Drop-Offs and Community Events
For those who don’t mind doing the heavy lifting themselves, your local city government might be able to help.
- Transfer Stations: Most cities have a local transfer station or landfill that accepts tires. However, you will likely have to pay a fee for each tire. You will also need to load them into your vehicle, drive to the facility, and unload them yourself.
Rules vary significantly by location. For example, specific recycling centers in Boston may have different acceptance policies or fee structures compared to facilities in rural areas. Always check your local city website before loading your truck to ensure they accept rubber waste.
- Tire Amnesty Days: Some communities host “Amnesty Days” once or twice a year. During these events, residents can drop off a limited number of tires for free. This is a great way to save money, but these events are rare. You have to keep an eye on your local city calendar to catch one.
Creative Upcycling (DIY)
If you are feeling crafty, you don’t have to dispose of the tires at all. You can repurpose them.
Rubber is incredibly durable, making it perfect for outdoor projects. With a little paint and creativity, an old eyesore can become a functional part of your home.
Popular DIY Ideas:
- Tire Planters: Paint the tire and fill it with soil for a colorful garden bed.
- Outdoor Ottomans: Wrap the tire in rope or fabric to create weather-resistant patio furniture.
- Playground Equipment: Create a classic tire swing or a climbing structure for kids.
Check out this video for some unique inspiration on how to turn trash into treasure:
Why You Can’t Just Throw Tires Away
You might be wondering why it is so hard to get rid of tires. Why can’t they just go in the trash?
Tires are strictly regulated for environmental and safety reasons.
- Fire Hazard: Tires trap methane gas. If they catch fire in a landfill, they can burn for months, releasing toxic black smoke into the air.
- Disease Vectors: The hollow shape of a tire collects rainwater. This stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can spread diseases.
- Landfill Space: Tires are bulky and do not decompose. They take up valuable space that should be used for other waste.
Knowing how to dispose of tires is important for keeping your property clean and your community safe.
If you have a creative spark, try upcycling them. If you have a truck and free time, you can drive them to a transfer station. But if you simply want them gone fast, Grunber is here to help.
We make junk removal transparent, fair, and eco-friendly. You pay only for the space your items take up in our truck, and our drivers handle all the labor.
