Tyres Disposal: Responsible Options for Getting Rid of Old Tyres
Tyres break down. There’s no way around it. Sometimes it’s a slow leak that can’t be fixed or just the tread getting too thin over time. At some point, you’re stuck with something big, heavy, and tricky to get rid of. What should you do with it?
Getting rid of old tires might seem simple at first. But it’s much more important than most people think. When done right, tyre disposal helps recycling and protects nature. When done wrong, it can turn into a real issue—one that doesn’t just go away once the tyre is out of your sight.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Throw Away Old Tyres
Let’s get one thing straight: tires aren’t your run-of-the-mill trash. You can’t (and shouldn’t) toss them in your regular garbage bin. They’re made up of synthetic rubber, steel, textiles, and chemical compounds, which are tough to break down and burn .
In dumps, tires need hundreds of years to rot away—and while they hang around, they can leak harmful chemicals into the ground. Even worse, they hold water and turn into perfect spots for mosquitoes and other bugs to multiply. That’s not even mentioning the fire risk, which becomes harder to control when tires are involved.
Throwing tires behind the shed or in the bush isn’t harmless. It’s dangerous and against the law in most parts of Australia.
What Happens to Recycled Tires?
When people get rid of tires the right way, they send them to licensed recycling centres. These places have the equipment to break down tires and turn them into useful stuff again. Here are some examples:
- Rubber crumbs go into playground surfaces, sports tracks, or road building.
- Whole tires can help control erosion, act as barriers, or block noise.
- Some industries use fuel made from tires instead of coal.
The aim is to use things again rather than bury or burn them. This responsible way of getting rid of tires helps create a circular economy.
How to Get Rid of Tires the Right Way
You have a few simple choices to throw away tires:
Hand Them Over to Your Tire Shop
A lot of tire stores and car mechanics offer to take your old tires when you buy new ones. You might have to pay a small amount, but they handle the recycling for you.
Go to a Waste Transfer Station
Some trash facilities take tires if they’re run by the local council. Just call ahead to check—some might accept a few tires or ask you to book a time.
Call a Tire Pickup Service
If you need to get rid of several tires (from a business or farm), tire pickup services operate in most areas. These companies have licenses and understand how to handle tires .
Watch for Community Drop-Off Days
Some local governments organize special collection days for items like tires. These offer a good cheap option if you don’t need to get rid of tires right away.
One Tire Might Not Look Like Much
But when you multiply it by thousands—just from one neighbourhood—it piles up . Tires take up space, resist breaking down, and can cause harm if left alone. But people can recycle them, reuse them, and extract value from them if they process tires the right way.
Therefore, while you might want to chuck one behind the shed “just for now,” taking the time to get rid of it has a bigger impact than most folks realize. It’s not about keeping things neat—it’s about doing what’s right for the land we all share. Explore reliable tyres disposal options near you.
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