How To Dispose of Old Tires

Your tires have served you well. They’ve taken you across town dozens of times, giving you the convenience of traveling from point A to point B.

But when they have reached the end of their life, it’s time to get rid of them. While throwing them in the trash may come to mind, it’s illegal and bad for the environment. We’ll give you ways to responsibly dispose of your old tires to minimize environmental impact.

Environmental Impact of Old Tires

Old tires can cause serious harm to the environment when improperly disposed of. Here’s what can happen:

• Fire risk: Tires are highly flammable and can ignite and burn for a long time. Long incineration will lead to toxic chemicals and smoke being released into the air, causing greenhouse gas emissions and respiratory issues for people nearby. In 1999, 7 million scrap tires were ignited by a lightning storm, which took five weeks to extinguish. This causes a spread of noxious emissions and also discharges a large volume of oil from melted rubber.
• Tire pollution: Tires, when broken down, release microplastics into the environment containing heavy metals and harsh chemicals that can spread throughout our ecosystem. When these microplastics wash into the oceans and rivers, they can be carried and inhaled by animals and humans.
• Leaching: When these chemicals and metals release into the environment, they can cause soil and groundwater contamination – poisoning humans and animals that come into contact with it.
• Landfill overcrowding: Landfills are becoming increasingly crowded, and tires can take up a lot of space. Some states have even banned disposing of tires in them.
• Pest threat: Water easily accumulates in scrap tires, which makes it a breeding ground for insects and mosquitos. This can lead to a heightened risk of vector-borne diseases like encephalitis. Furthermore, rodents can live in used tires for long periods, creating another health hazard.

How Do You Safely Dispose of Old Tires?

Tire disposal can be difficult, especially since some waste disposal companies won’t accept them. We’ve included a few ways to do so safely so it doesn’t impact the environment.

Recycle Them

Recycling is a good option for tires since they’ll be broken down and reused for other applications. Call your local recycling center to see if they’ll accept them. Many bulk pickup trash collections won’t pick up your tire, so you must transport them yourself.

You can also inquire about recycling options from your auto shop or tire vendor. Some tire manufacturers will provide free recycling programs. Companies like Bridgestone, Michelin, and Firestone all offer recycling programs and initiatives.

Dispose of Them for a Fee

Many local recycling centers will accept your old tires. However, you won’t be making money on them. Instead, you’ll have to pay a disposal fee for the rubber.

However, this is a great option for worn-down tires. If you have metal tires, recycling centers sometimes pay for them. Sites like CalRecycleallow you to find a nearby recycling center. You can filter by specific recyclables like tires, electronics, and used oil.

Upcycle Them

If you’re crafty and love living sustainably, then upcycling tires may be right for you.

Here are a few nifty ideas to consider:

• Trash bins: Tires are an excellent way to spice up your backyard bin look. Simply spray paint three tires into your preferred color and add any design or artwork. Then stack the tires together and bind them with a strong adhesive glue. Place a garbage bag into the opening, and voila, you’ve got yourself a handy trash bin!
• Curb ramps: Potholes and uneven roads around your home can cause damage to any low-clearance vehicle. A curb ramp will prevent the asphalt ground from scraping the bottom of your precious car. The rubber can be reused, making for a sturdy ramp in your curb driveway.

Hire a Tire Disposal Company

There are strict regulations when it comes to disposing of old tires. If you don’t want the hassle of figuring out which places will accept your tire and worrying about transporting them, then a tire disposal service like Nixxit is for you.

Specialists at Nixxit can prevent a headache by picking up your unwanted tires from your home or curbside. We’ll ensure your used tires are recycled or donated properly if salvageable. Simply give us a call and enjoy a less-cluttered space.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering getting rid of your old tires, we’ve compiled additional information on how to dispose of them.

Can You Sell Old Tires?

Yes, you can sell your old tires to retailers that accept tires in various conditions for cash. If there aren’t any companies near you, you can also sell them online. The best places to sell your tires are local tire shops, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist.

Can You Throw Old Tires in the Trash?

No, throwing used tires in the trash is illegal because there are steel belts inside, which would puncture the liners in landfills, causing ground contamination. However, more ethical methods exist, such as selling them to tire retailers or car dealers.

Have Old Tires You Need to Get Rid Of? Call Us!

Tires are one of the most recycled products in the United States. You’ve got many options to dispose of them in an environmentally-friendly manner. However, doing so can be a huge hassle.

That’s why hiring a tire disposal service can save you trouble. Our team of specialists will take them off your hands. Whether you’ve got tires for your car, RV, truck, motorcycle, or lawnmower, we’ll do the heavy lifting for you.

We take them to nearby recycling centers to reuse the rubber for other applications. Enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your tires will be disposed of responsibly for you. Get in touch and schedule your hassle-free appointment.