Dealing with old tires piling up can give many homeowners a real headache. It may seem appealing to illegally dump them or toss them in the trash. However, we know our customers want to do the right thing for their community. Improperly disposing of tires harms the environment, hurts our neighborhood, and is against the law.
The good news is there are responsible, hassle-free ways to dispose of tires, from just a few to whole piles. We understand the struggle with tire removal and we’re here to help guide you through the process. We make it easy while keeping costs low. Together, we can all do our small part to preserve our community.
Now let’s dive into the details…
Key Takeaways:
- Tires can’t be thrown away with regular trash due to environmental hazards
- Check for recycling programs or drop-off locations in your area
- Explore DIY options to reuse and repurpose old tires creatively
- Contact local retailers or waste management companies for proper disposal
- Support a sustainable tire lifecycle by recycling responsibly
The Problem with Improper Tire Disposal
Improper disposal of tires is harmful to the environment. Tires are made from durable materials like rubber that don’t decompose, creating pollution and potential hazards when not discarded correctly. They can trap gases and leach toxins into the soil if buried in landfills. Open burning releases harmful fumes into the air. And illegally dumped tires provide breeding grounds for pests like mosquitoes.
There are responsible ways to dispose of old tires. While it may seem convenient to toss them in the trash or leave them in an empty lot, these practices are irresponsible and often illegal. Many areas have specific regulations and penalties for improper tire disposal. The smart solution is to find an approved tire recycling or drop-off program near you.
Tire Recycling Programs and Facilities in Ohio
To encourage responsible end-of-life tire management, many regions have implemented province or state-wide used tire recycling programs. Fees from purchases of new tires help fund these recycling initiatives.
Summit County Reworks
Located at 1201 Graham Road in Stow, Ohio, ReWorks offers a scrap tire recycling service for Summit County residents. The service operates during the Household Hazardous Waste Collection season from June through September. Residents can drop off up to 10 tires (passenger car and light truck size) per vehicle, with a fee of $1 per tire. Tires can be on or off the rim. For updated information on specific dates and times, you should check their website on Thursdays after 2pm during the collection season or contact them directly at 330-374-0383. More details can be found on their official website.
Lightner Tire Company
Located at 780 E Waterloo Rd, Akron, this facility is another option for tire disposal. They provide services for recycling tires and it’s advisable to call ahead at 330-724-7436 to confirm any specific requirements or changes to their service offerings.
Willig Tire Recycling
This company operates in multiple locations, including Akron. They offer comprehensive tire recycling services including pickups for businesses and high volume needs. Willig Tire Recycling emphasizes environmental stewardship through their recycling processes. For specific service details or to schedule a pickup, you can contact them at 330-326-7048. Their address in Akron is 1955 Firestone Parkway. More details are available on their website.
City of Akron
The city provides regular trash and recycling collection for residents but does not specifically handle tire recycling through municipal services. However, they may offer guidance or referrals for local recycling options. For more information, check the City of Akron’s official site.
Be sure to check the specifics for your local tire recycling program, as there may be quantity limits or requirements to remove tire rims before drop-off. But in most cases, responsible disposal is free or low-cost.
Recycling and Repurposing Old Tires
So what happens to all those old tires after they’re collected? While they can’t be reverted back into fresh, new tires, tires are highly recyclable and can be repurposed in various ways:
- Shredding tires into crumb rubber for use in sports fields, roads, and other surfaces
- Using shredded tire components like steel, textile, and rubber as raw materials in other products
- Remolding and retreading salvageable tires to extend their service life
- Converting tires into tire-derived fuel to power industrial operations like cement kilns
- Manufacturing recycled tire products like mats, insulation panels, and even shoes!
Many major tire companies like Michelin and Continental are investing in advanced recycling technologies and circular economy initiatives to reduce waste and drive sustainability in the tire industry.
Environmental Benefits of Proper Disposal
Beyond keeping old tires out of landfills and off the streets, recycling tires provides significant environmental advantages:
- Avoiding buildup of trapped gases, liner ruptures, and other issues in landfills
- Preventing illegal dumping that blights communities and natural areas
- Supporting sustainability efforts by tire makers to develop more efficient, eco-friendly tires
- Creating jobs and economic opportunities in the recycling and repurposing industries
Responsible tire disposal through proper recycling and repurposing is a major win for the planet. It reduces pollution, conserves resources, and helps transition our economy toward environmental responsibility.
DIY Options for Reusing Old Tires
Of course, recycling doesn’t have to mean sending your old tires off to a facility. Get creative and find ways to reuse them right at home! Here are some fun DIY ideas:
- Make a swing using a tire and some durable ropes or chains
- Turn tires into unique planters for flowers, herbs, or even small trees
- Build funky patio or lawn furniture from assembled tire pieces
- Let kids decorate old tires as colorful art objects for the yard
- Use tires as a border or raised bed for your garden areas
With just a bit of elbow grease and imagination, you can breathe new life into those otherwise discarded tires. Search for “DIY repurposed tire projects” online for step-by-step instructions and inspiration.
Top Tire Repurposing Ideas:
| Project | Description |
| Tire Planters | Paint tires bright colors and plant flowers or herbs inside |
| Tire Swing | Hang a tire from a tree branch with sturdy ropes or chains |
| Tire Ottomans | Stuff old tires with cushioning to make unique ottoman furniture |
| Tire Sandboxes | Bury tires partway in the ground to create safe kid sandboxes |
| Tire Staircases | Use tires filled with soil or concrete to make garden staircases |
Summary and Advice from the Pros
Dealing with a pile of old tires may seem daunting, but there are plenty of responsible disposal options available. The key is to avoid dumping or burning tires, which can lead to environmental damage and potential fines or penalties.
Always look first for a local tire recycling program, whether run by your provincial/state government, municipality, or a major retailer. These programs make it easy and affordable to drop off old tires to be recycled into new products and materials.
If you have a few old tires and a creative spark, try out some fun DIY reuse projects to give those worn-out tires new life as planters, swings, furniture, and more!
No matter which route you choose, remember that responsible tire disposal is a team effort. As AM Dumpster Rental & Junk Removal experts explain, “Tires have a big environmental impact if not handled properly. But by recycling and repurposing old tires instead of dumping them, we can all do our part to protect the planet.” Take that advice to heart – when you need to get rid of old tires, do it the right way. Contact AM Dumpster Rental at (330) 576-4220 to learn more about their sustainable junk removal services.
