5 Ways to Responsibly Dispose of Old Tires

If you’ve ever replaced your car tires, you know how fast old ones pile up. The problem is, tossing tires in the trash isn’t an option. Most waste management companies won’t take them, and in many places, it’s actually illegal to throw tires in the regular garbage.

That’s because tires pose serious risks in landfills. They’re a fire hazard, they trap rainwater that attracts mosquitoes, and they take up valuable space since they don’t compact easily. So, what do you do with them?

Luckily, there are several smart, responsible ways to dispose of old tires. Below are five legitimate options each with its benefits and drawbacks so you can choose what works best for you.

One of the most eco-friendly options is to bring your old tires directly to a recycling facility. These centers break down tires into reusable materials, like rubber mulch for landscaping, crumb rubber for playgrounds, or even asphalt for roads.

The only catch is that you’ll need to haul the tires yourself, which isn’t always easy without a large vehicle. Some centers may also charge a small disposal fee, especially if you’re bringing in multiple tires. Still, recycling is an eco-friendly choice that gives the material a second life.

If you’re already shopping for new tires, ask the retailer or auto shop about their take-back program. Many places accept your old set when you buy replacements, and in some states, they’re even required to. It’s a convenient option since disposal is often built into the process.

The downside is that most shops only take tires with a new purchase, and some may charge a fee for drop-offs. Even if you’re replacing tires, you might still face limits on quantity or extra costs, making this option less convenient for some.

Not every tire can be recycled. If there’s still tread left, some farms use old tires as barriers or equipment protectors, while community groups may repurpose them into swings, climbing obstacles, or exercise gear. Donating is a simple way to extend a tire’s life and support local projects.

The challenge is that not every group accepts old tires, and they need to be in good shape so bald or cracked ones won’t qualify. Even if yours still have life left, finding a place that will actually take them can be frustrating or time-consuming.

If you’re the creative type, old tires can be upcycled into planters, garden edging, sandboxes, or even backyard workout gear. With some paint and creativity, they can also become unique furniture like a rustic ottoman or coffee table.

Upcycling keeps tires out of landfills and adds a personal touch to your space. However, these projects can be bulky, time-consuming, and require tools or storage. For many, the effort may outweigh the reward, making DIY upcycling more work than it’s worth.

The quickest option is to hire a junk removal service. With LoadUp, you can book online, see your price upfront, and let pros handle the heavy lifting. Tires are taken to proper facilities for recycling or disposal, so you don’t have to worry.

It’s especially helpful if you have multiple tires or no way to haul them. While it’s a paid service, it’s often cheaper than renting a truck or paying disposal fees.

Old tires shouldn’t end up in the trash, but you have plenty of responsible options from recycling centers and auto shops to donations or creative DIY projects, depending on their condition.

For the fastest and easiest solution, LoadUp makes tire disposal simple, affordable, and hassle-free. Book online for an upfront price and let our team handle the heavy lifting. And it’s not just tires, we can also haul furniture, mattresses, appliances, and other bulky junk. With LoadUp, getting rid of old tires and other unwanted items has never been easier.

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• What To Do with My Old Trampoline?
• How to Get Rid of Your Basketball Goal
• How to Dispose of Broken Exercise Equipment
• 5 Ways to Dispose of Used Furniture Before Moving and Relocation