Tyres wear out. They get damaged or break down from everyday use. , you’ll need new ones. But what happens to the old tyres once you take them off your car? And what should you do with them?
Getting rid of tires the right way isn’t just about making room in your garage or staying out of trouble with the law. It’s a big part of being kind to the environment. Every year, Australians throw away millions of tyres. If we don’t handle them , they can cause more problems than most people think.
Why You Can’t Just Throw Tyres in the Trash
You might think it’s a quick fix—just throw the old tire out with the trash and move on. It’s not that easy. Tires contain a blend of rubber, steel, fabric, and chemical additives. They don’t rot . In fact when dumped in landfills, they need hundreds of years to break down.
Even worse, they create serious dangers if they pile up. Old tires can burn and are super hard to put out. They can also trap rainwater making perfect spots for bugs like mosquitoes to lay eggs. It’s not just ugly—it’s a threat to public health and the environment.
What Happens to Old Tires?
When you get rid of tires the right way, they go to a place that’s allowed to recycle them. At these places, they cut up the tires, sort out the parts, and turn them into new stuff. Your old tires might become:
- Rubber mats or surfaces for playgrounds
- Tracks for athletes and filling for fake grass
- Things to add to asphalt for building roads
- Fuel for some factory work
This recycling helps the environment, means we need less new materials, and makes our economy work in a loop.
Ways to Get Rid of Tires
So, what can you do with an old tire?
Tire Shops
Many tire shops provide a disposal service when you buy new tires. They’ll take care of the recycling for you—for a small charge, or sometimes it’s part of the price.
Waste Transfer Stations
Some local waste centres take tires for recycling. It’s best to call first, as not all places can accept them.
Special Collection Services
There are companies that focus on picking up and getting rid of tires—handy for bigger amounts or business needs.
Council Drop-Off Days
From time to time local councils hold clean-up events where you can drop off tires. These don’t happen often, but they’re helpful if your area offers them.
Avoiding Illegal Dumping
Some people don’t get rid of tires. Tires dumped have become a bigger problem in country or bush areas. They look bad, might be risky, and the community spends a lot to clean them up.
If you see tires that have been dumped, you should tell your local council about it. And when you pay someone to take your tires away, check that they have a license to do this. Just because something leaves your property doesn’t mean it’s gone forever.
A Simple Choice That Makes a Big Difference
When all’s said and done, getting rid of tires might not seem like a big deal—but it adds up when you look at the big picture. A single tire, recycled the right way, can be useful in its second life. But one left to rot in a ditch? It’s just another problem someone else has to handle.
Doing what’s right doesn’t take much effort. Explore best tyre disposal solutions. Just a little planning, a couple of quick calls, and the drive to act . It’s a small task—but one that leaves a cleaner world behind.