Last updated on February 17th, 2024 at 09:41 am
When you buy new tires and leave old ones behind, you will have to pay some tire disposal fees and recycling fees.
In some states, government regularities define the terms of fees, and in other states, retailers have their own terms for charging those fees.
The fees are utilized for different purposes, including payment to retailers for services, investment in research and development of tire recycling advancements, tire disposal companies, and other climate-friendly uses.
With the increasing number of tires with continuous degrading tread life, tires are becoming one of the most effective products, which not only impact the environment when manufactured but escalate more while being utilized.
This is why every citizen must dispose of their tires properly without worrying about the small fees companies and governments charge for the good of society.
Illegal or careless dumping won’t only be bad for the environment, but it could also get you in legal hurdles. So make sure you follow the steps of good citizens and practice lawful tire disposal.
Table of Contents
Fees Associated With Tire Disposals
State Tire-Disposal Fees
Some state legislations have a flat fee on tires, and some have fees based on tire sizes and weights. The tire retailers and tire disposal companies charge these fees whenever you go to dispose of your old tires. Out of 50 states in the US, 15 states have no regulations on charging government fees.
States With State-Tire Disposal Fees
States With No State-Tire Disposal Fees
Other types of Fees
Point of Sale Fee
This is the fee we mentioned above. A fee is applied at the point of sale when purchasing new tires. This fee is often collected by retailers and then forwarded to the appropriate state or local authorities.
Environmental Fee
Collected as a separate fee on the sale of new tires, specifically designated for environmental purposes such as tire recycling, cleanup, and waste tire management programs.
Flat Fee per Tire
A fixed fee is imposed on each tire sold, regardless of its size or type. This approach simplifies the fee structure but may not reflect the environmental impact differences among various types of tires.
Fee-Based on Tire Size or Type
Fees that vary depending on the size or type of the tire. For example, larger or specialty tires may incur higher fees due to the increased challenges in recycling and disposal.
Weight-Based Fee
A fee is calculated based on the weight of the tire. This approach considers the environmental impact associated with the weight of the tire, as heavier tires may require more resources for recycling.
Advance Disposal Fee
Collected at the time of tire purchase, and consumers may be eligible for a refund if they return the used tire to an authorized collection point. This encourages consumers to participate in tire recycling programs.
Registration Fee for Tire Retailers
Instead of directly charging consumers, some jurisdictions may impose a fee on tire retailers based on the number of tires they sell. Retailers then pass this cost on to consumers indirectly.
State Surcharge
Some states may impose a surcharge on tire disposal or recycling activities, and these charges contribute to funding state programs.
Ways To Dispose of Tires
There are several ways to properly dispose of your end-of-life tires and perform the duty of a responsible citizen.
Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
Some tire manufacturers offer their vendors and customers to collect end-of-life tires, so they can recycle them and use them in profitable and sustainable ways. Bridgestone 4wards program is an initiative, moving forward, that can be a great resource for the driver of Bridgestone tires.
Local Tire Retailers
Almost every bog tire retailer provides services for disposing of end-of-life tires, especially if you are buying new tires from them. Retailers add several fees mentioned above to your new tire purchase bills. These fees are not so costly, and everyone can easily afford them.
Recycling Centers
There are several recycling centers, and many more are slowly starting their operation in many states of the US. You can check the closest recycling center and leave your ties to them. They will charge a fee sometimes. Otherwise, many companies also offer free recycling.
Municipal Waste Collection
In some states, your town waste management also does the job of disposing of tires. You might have to pay the fees if there are laws regarding trashing your tires. Otherwise, it will be one of the responsibilities of these companies to resort to these end-of-life tires at their destination.
Landfill Disposal (as a last resort)
Landfill disposal is among the world’s biggest problems, which is why it is restricted in almost every big state. So, this might not be an option for you if it is illegal to dispose of tires in dumpsters or landfills; however, if it is an option, we recommend avoiding going with this option unless there is no other choice for you.
