How to dispose of tires

The federal government generally delegates scrap tire management to individual states. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) does not classify scrap tires as hazardous waste. However, due to the severe environmental impact of tire fires, nearly all 50 states have enacted dedicated scrap tire laws or regulations. Most states ban whole tires from landfills and require a disposal fee at the point of purchase to fund state-run cleanups and recycling programs. These programs process tires into tire-derived fuel, rubberized asphalt, and mulch.

There are few free 'take-back' programs for tires, as disposal almost always incurs a processing fee. National auto centers and tire retailers, such as Discount Tire, Firestone, and Walmart Auto Care Centers, will accept old tires for recycling when you purchase new ones, charging a mandatory state fee (usually $1 to $5 per tire). If you are looking to dispose of tires without a purchase, these same retailers or your local municipal solid waste facility will typically accept them for a small drop-off fee.