How to Dispose of Tyres?

Waste tyres are one of the biggest environmental problems in the UK. Each year, we produce around 1.2 billion waste tyres, and only about 20% of them are recycled. The rest end up in landfills, where they can take up a significant amount of space and release harmful toxins and other chemicals into the environment.

If you have old tyres to get rid of, don't just throw them away. Below are a few options for tyre disposal.

Check to See if the Old Tyre Can Be Repaired

If you have a punctured tyre, take it to your local garage to see if it can be repaired before getting it disposed of. This will save money, as the repair will be cheaper than getting a new tyre fitted, and it will be a better option for the environment, as you will conserve resources.

Have Your Garage Take the Old Tyres

If you're getting new tyres put on your car, your local garage can likely take the old ones off for you. Most garages will dispose of the old tyres properly – either recycling them or disposing of them in accordance with environmental regulations. This is a hassle-free way to get rid of tyres and ensure they're being disposed of responsibly.

If you change your own tyres, you can always call your local garage to see if they will get rid of the old tyres for you. They may charge a small fee, but you can be confident the tyres will be disposed of properly and won't impact the environment.

Sell the Tyres

If you have tyres that are still in good condition, you may be able to sell them. There can be tyre dealers or even local car dealerships interested in them. Tyre recyclers buy used tyres and break them down into materials that can be reused for various purposes. You could also sell the car tyres on selling sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. This is a great way to make some extra cash and reduce tyre waste at the same time.

Tyre Recycling

If you are unable to have tyres taken away or sell them, the next best option is to take them to your local recycling centre. Recycling is the best way to dispose of your old tyres with minimal negative environmental impact. Many local authorities accept tyres for free and will properly dispose of them in accordance with environmental laws.

Generally, recycled rubber from tyres can be used in a few ways: retreading used tyres, producing new rubber products, and generating energy. As you can see, recycled tyres can have multiple outcomes. You can find your nearest tyre recycling centre by contacting your local council or local authority.

Repurpose the Old Tyres

Turn your unwanted tyres into useful items! Recycling tyres in this way is fun and practical. Tyre rubber is a very versatile material that can be used in many ways. Old tyres can be used in play areas for swings, as planters, or made into outdoor furniture. Alternatively, scrap tyres can be upcycled into art pieces or indoor decorations like wall hangings and rugs.

Not only is this a creative way to reuse and recycle tyres, but it is also eco-friendly and reduces the number of tyres going to landfills. Don't see your unwanted tyres as waste products; see them as valuable resources.

Waste Tyre Collection Service

You can hire a waste collection company to dispose of the old tyres for you. They will collect the waste at your specified location and dispose of it properly. This is a very convenient way to dispose of tyres!

Can I Put Old Tyres in a Skip?

No, tyres are not allowed in skips (in most cases). This is because tyres are large, bulky items that can be difficult to dispose of and take up a lot of space in landfills.

However...

Some skip companies will accept car tyres, but you will be charged extra for each tyre. Depending on how many tyres you need to dispose of, there may be better options for you.

Summary

By taking the time to properly dispose of tyres, you can help protect our planet and keep UK landfills free from tyre waste. Whether you sell the tyres, repurpose them, or take them to a tyre recycling centre, there are plenty of ways to do the right thing and make sure tyres don't end up in landfill sites.