Did you know about 280 million tires are thrown out each year in America? That’s about 1 tire per person in the US alone. However, proper disposal can help divert scrap tires from landfills and/or lessen environmental harm. The good news is there are more tire disposal options now than ever before!
Use our tire disposal guide to understand how to dispose of tires responsibly in New York, including recycling sites, clean-up events, and tire disposal FAQs!
Need replacement tires? Explore our used tire selection to get back on the road!
Avoid Illegally Dumping Tires
Illegally dumping old tires involves leaving tires on public or private property without permission—regardless of whether you leave it in a dumpster or bagged on the curb. In New York, illegal dumping fines start at $4,000 and can increase to $18,000, depending on the severity of the offense.
Tire dumping is not only illegal but also harmful to the environment.
Improperly disposed tires can create fire hazards, contaminate soil, and pollute water bodies. Tires do not decompose. Instead, they release methane gas and other potentially harmful chemicals that can affect their local environment over time.
Old tires can also harbor pests. Their shape and conditions make them ideal breeding grounds for rats, ticks, and mosquitos, all of which may carry deadly diseases. When in doubt, report illegal scrap tires to your local waste department for removal.
Where to Dispose of Tires Legally
1. Return Old Tires to Retailers or Auto Dealers
Many tire retailers and dealerships participate in tire take-back programs. When purchasing new tires, check if they can accept your old tires to recycle or dispose of. You may have to pay a fee, but tire take-back programs ensure that your scrap tires are properly removed. This is the most common way to get rid of old tires.
2. Check Municipality Laws on Tire Disposal
Many municipalities in New York have specific guidelines and programs for tire disposal, which may differ from the norm. Check with your local waste management authority or department of sanitation to learn about tire collection events or drop-off locations in your area. They may offer free or subsidized disposal options for residents.
City of Rochester, NY residents may place old tires on the curb for regular household refuse pick-up, as long as the disposal truck can access the property. However, it’s important to check your local laws as municipalities may have different regulations. Laws for residents may also differ from businesses.
3. Contact Your Waste Management Provider
Waste management providers often have programs in place to dispose of old tires in compliance with municipality and state regulations. Call your local waste management provider to see if they accept curbside tire disposal or if you need to schedule a specialized pick-up. Waste management providers can also point you to tire disposal partners as needed.
4. Use Tire Recycling Centers, Ecoparks, and Scrap Yards
Before getting rid of your tires, we recommend looking into recycling options at your local ecopark or recycling center. Tire recycling reduces the amount of tires that go into landfills and allows scrap tires to find new life as ground rubber in construction projects, asphalt additives, and even biofuel components!
Check with your local recycling center or eco-park to learn about their services.
In Rochester, you can drop off passenger tires, light truck tires, and truck tires at the Monroe County Ecopark. Recycling fees are typically higher if the tire is still on the rim. You can drop off 4 tires per visit.
If you have bare tire rims to recycle, most local metal scrap yards will accept them. You may even earn a small profit depending on the type of metal and quality. Refer to Monroe County’s page for a list of metal scrap yards.
Tire Disposal Alternatives
1. Sell Old Tires
Are you replacing your tires before their intended lifespan? Depending on the quality, you can sell or donate old tires to used tire retailers by contacting their team.
Please note: you should only sell used tires if the tire functions well and doesn’t show signs of excessive wear or damage. At Hooper’s Tire Outlet, we thoroughly inspect all used tires in our inventory to ensure our customers’ safety.
2. Use Tires as Exercise Equipment
Old tires are sturdy and heavy, making them excellent exercise equipment. The most common ways to exercise with tires are tire flips, tire pushes, and tire relays that require dragging a tire while sprinting. Depending on the size of the tire, you can also use them in calisthenics such as toe-tips, step-ups, and decline push-ups.
3. Create a Tire Swing
With a bit of rope and a place to hang, you can turn old tires into tire swings! Simply secure the tire with rope to a tree branch or other high place and clear the inner tire lining of any sharp debris. Then, drill a drainage hole in the bottom of the tire to avoid water collection. You can also hang the tire sideways to create a seat or hang the tire swing in your home for a whimsical feel.
Tire Disposal FAQs
Can You Throw Away Tires in the Trash?
No, you shouldn’t dispose of tires with regular household trash. Tires are not biodegradable and can pose environmental hazards if not properly handled. However, you may be able to schedule curbside tire pick-up depending on your municipality’s regulations. Check your city’s disposal procedures or bring your tire to a local ecopark or scrap yard.
Can I Burn Old Tires?
No, it’s illegal to burn tires, refuse waste, or similar materials in the US. Burning tires is dangerous as it can release soot, toxic gas, oils, and debris into the air and water.
Can I Dump Tires in a Landfill?
No, most states prohibit dumping tires in landfills because they aren’t biodegradable and take up a lot of space. Dumping tires in a landfill is illegal and can result in costly fines.
Tire Disposal Made Easy
Remember, proper tire disposal is essential for protecting the environment and public health. By following these guidelines, you can contribute to sustainable waste management practices in New York and help create a cleaner, safer environment for all!