Dealing with old tires might seem like a minor inconvenience, but improper disposal poses significant environmental and health risks. In Missouri alone, citizens generate approximately six million scrap tires annually. A scrap tire is defined as a tire no longer fit for its original purpose due to wear, damage, prolonged exposure to the elements, or simply being discarded. Leaving these tires to pile up can lead to serious problems, making it crucial to understand Where To Get Rid Of Old Tires responsibly.
Why Proper Tire Disposal Matters
Scrap tires are more than just unsightly waste. They can become breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests and contribute to environmental pollution.
One of the most significant concerns is the stagnant water that collects inside discarded tires. This water becomes an ideal habitat for mosquitoes to breed. Mosquitoes are vectors for serious diseases, making scrap tire accumulation a public health threat. Beyond mosquitoes, tires can also harbor snakes and other vermin, further impacting local ecosystems and potentially posing risks to humans and animals.
Furthermore, burning tires, an illegal practice in Missouri except in permitted facilities, releases harmful pollutants into the air, water, and groundwater. Uncontrolled tire fires are environmentally damaging and can have long-lasting consequences.
Disposal Options for Your Old Tires
Fortunately, there are several responsible and legal ways to dispose of your old tires. Here are some options to consider:
Cutting and Tossing with Household Trash
For homeowners dealing with a few tires, disposal with regular household trash is possible, but with a crucial step: cutting. To be accepted by permitted sanitary landfills, tires must be properly cut. You have two options for cutting:
- Sidewall Removal: Cut out both sidewalls of each tire. This leaves you with two sidewall pieces and the tread ring.
- Tread Ring Cut: Cut each tire completely through the center of the tread ring, similar to slicing a bagel.
Pieces prepared in either of these ways can be included with your household trash for disposal at a permitted landfill.
Tire Retailers and Disposal Fees
For a small number of tires, perhaps the easiest method is to take them to a tire dealer or retail store that sells tires. Most of these businesses offer tire disposal services for a fee per tire. While there’s a cost involved, you can be confident that these businesses will ensure proper disposal of the used tires they collect, often through established recycling or processing channels. This is a convenient option when you are replacing tires on your vehicle.
Scrap Tire Haulers for Larger Quantities
If you have a large accumulation of scrap tires, such as from a business or farm, contacting a permitted scrap tire hauler is the recommended approach. These specialized haulers are equipped to collect and transport large volumes of tires for proper disposal or processing. You can find a list of permitted scrap tire haulers in Missouri for professional removal services.
Community Cleanup Reimbursement
For non-governmental, non-profit organizations willing to organize scrap tire dump cleanups using volunteer labor, Missouri offers a reimbursement program. Groups that undertake tire dump cleanups may be eligible for reimbursement of disposal costs. This initiative encourages community involvement in addressing scrap tire accumulation and supports responsible environmental stewardship.
Missouri’s Broader Approach to Scrap Tire Management
Recognizing the widespread issue of scrap tire piles, Missouri implemented Senate Bill 530 in 1990. This legislation formally acknowledged scrap tires as a significant waste stream and established a scrap tire fee on new tire sales. This fee funds the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) scrap tire management efforts, including cleanups, educational programs, and initiatives promoting beneficial uses for scrap tires.
Initially, the DNR conducted the Scrap Tire Roundup program, partnering with the Department of Corrections to clean up sites with 500 to 10,000 tires. However, the focus has shifted towards promoting long-term, sustainable solutions. The DNR now prioritizes creating economic incentives for scrap tire recycling and beneficial reuse. This includes supporting businesses that process scrap tires into materials for various applications.
Thanks to these efforts since 1990:
- Over 17.6 million scrap tires from more than 1,386 sites have been cleaned up in Missouri.
- Around 2,000 scrap tire haulers have been permitted.
- Approximately 30 scrap tire processors are permitted to transform whole tires into shredded tires, chips, or crumb rubber for new products.
- Over 40,000 tons of scrap tires are estimated to have been diverted from landfills and used in playground surfaces, rubber mats, and other recycled products by the end of 2021.
By choosing the appropriate disposal method, you contribute to a cleaner environment and public health. Whether you cut them for trash, pay a disposal fee at a tire retailer, or utilize a scrap tire hauler, responsible disposal is key to managing scrap tires effectively. Missouri’s ongoing programs and initiatives demonstrate a commitment to addressing this waste stream and finding innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
