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Disposal Guide:
Tires

Scrap tires pose significant environmental and health risks if stockpiled, acting as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and posing severe fire hazards that release toxic smoke.

1,095 verified facilities available nationwide

Federal Law & Regulations

Understand your legal obligations under EPA guidelines.

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.

National Take-Back Programs

Industry-sponsored recycling and stewardship initiatives.

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Generally Accepted Items

A baseline of materials typically accepted by specialized facilities.

Passenger car and light truck tires

Motorcycle and ATV tires

Federal Law & Regulations

National Take-Back Programs

Generally Accepted Items

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Disposal Guide:
Tires