The short answer: Old tires can’t go in your regular trash, and scrap tires are regulated in Texas. Most landfills, transfer stations, and tire shops will take them for a per-tire fee — commonly a few dollars each, and more for large or rimmed tires. When you buy new tires, the shop will usually recycle your old ones for a small disposal fee. Illegal tire dumping carries steep penalties, so the gate fee is always the cheaper choice.
Tires are one of the trickiest things to throw away because they’re banned from most landfills as whole units and tightly regulated by the state. Here’s how to get rid of them properly in Texas.
Why can’t I just throw tires in the trash?
Whole tires trap methane, float to the surface of landfills, collect water that breeds mosquitoes, and are a fire hazard — so Texas regulates scrap tires separately and bans whole tires from normal landfill disposal. That’s why you’ll see tires listed as a prohibited item or charged as a special-fee item at most facilities. They have to be handled by sites set up to process or recycle them.
How much does it cost to dispose of tires in Texas?
Pricing is almost always per tire, and it depends on size and whether the tire is still on a rim:
- Passenger car and light-truck tires typically carry a modest per-tire fee.
- Large, oversized, or commercial tires cost more because they’re harder to process.
- Tires on rims often cost extra, since the rim has to be removed.
Because the per-tire price varies by site, it’s worth checking nearby options first. Look up facilities that accept tires and see their sourced fees before you load them up.
Where can I take old tires?
- Tire shops — the easiest route, especially when buying new tires. Shops collect a small state-regulated disposal fee and send old tires to a registered processor. Many will take your old tires even if you’re not buying, for a per-tire charge.
- Landfills and transfer stations that accept tires — many take tires for a special per-tire fee. Confirm they accept them, since not all do.
- Scrap tire recyclers and collection events — tires are shredded into crumb rubber, fuel, and other products. Some communities hold periodic free or low-cost tire amnesty events worth watching for.
Can I recycle tires for free in Texas?
Sometimes. Communities occasionally run scrap tire amnesty or cleanup events where residents can drop off a limited number of tires free of charge — a great option if you can time it. Outside those events, expect a per-tire fee. Recycling is still the right destination either way, since tires are turned into useful products rather than buried.
Why you should never dump tires illegally
Illegal tire dumping is taken seriously in Texas. Abandoned tire piles are an environmental and public-health hazard, and dumping them on roadsides, in lots, or in waterways can bring significant fines and even criminal charges. The disposal fee for a handful of tires is small compared to the penalty — there’s no scenario where dumping them pays off.
FAQ
How much does it cost to throw away a tire in Texas?
Usually a per-tire fee — modest for passenger tires, higher for large or rimmed tires. Compare nearby facilities in our directory for the exact, sourced price.
Will a tire shop take my old tires?
Yes. Tire shops collect a small disposal fee and route scrap tires to registered processors. They’ll often take old tires even if you’re not buying new ones.
Can I put tires in a landfill?
Not as regular trash — whole tires are banned from normal landfill disposal in Texas. Some facilities accept them separately for a special per-tire fee.
Are there free tire disposal options?
Occasionally, through community scrap-tire amnesty or cleanup events. Outside those, a per-tire fee is standard.
Last updated: June 2026. Tire fees and acceptance vary by facility — confirm before you go. Every facility in the DumpFeeFinder directory lists accepted items and sourced, date-stamped fees.