• How to recycle

    Tires

Tire Recycling in Ontario

Ontario Tire Recycling Explained

  • A pile of car tires waiting to be recycled.

    Drop-Off is Always Free

    Residents can drop off used tires at designated collection sites for free, including tires on rims, with a limit of up to 10 tires per person per day.

    Tires must be of similar size and weight to those sold or serviced by the collection site.

    Tire Collection Location Finder
  • A semi truck unloading a large bin full of car tires.

    Tires Accepted

    Retail stores: 

    • must accept all used tires, including tires on rims, that are similar to the new tires sold or supplied at the location. 
    • must accept up to 10 tires a day per person. 

    Municipal depots:

    •  must accept up to 10 passenger and light truck tires (including those with rims) a day per person. 
  • A human inspecting a used racing car tire

    Tires Not Accepted

    • Muscle-powered vehicle tires used to transport a person (e.g. bicycles, strollers, kick scooters)
    • Power-assisted bicycle tires, specifically bicycles with an electric motor
    • Personal mobility device tires (e.g., wheelchairs)



Find Out Where to Recycle Tires
A worker in a recycling plant moving a used tire off of a conveyor belt.

break down the tires

Shredding and Grinding Tires

  • Tire recyclers start by shredding old tires into smaller pieces. This step makes handling easier and exposes the various materials used in tire manufacturing.
  • The shredded tire pieces are then ground further to create crumb rubber. This fine rubber powder serves as a versatile resource
A closeup of some machinery in a tire recycling plant. The operator of the machinery observes the machine while it operates.

Separate tire materials

Steel and Fiber Separation

  • After shredding, the tire material undergoes a process to remove steel wires and other metal components.
  • Powerful magnets and other techniques are used to separate the steel from the rubber. The steel is recycled as scrap metal.
A worker in a recycling plant moving a used tire off of a conveyor belt.

tires have valuable materials

Crumb Rubber Production

  • Tire recyclers start by shredding old tires into smaller pieces. This step makes handling easier and exposes the various materials used in tire manufacturing.
  • The shredded tire pieces are then ground further to create crumb rubber. This fine rubber powder serves as a versatile resource

Frequently Asked Questions

You can take old tires to a local recycling facility, participate in tire collection events, or contact a tire disposal service. Many retailers also offer tire take-back programs.
To dispose of tires, check for local recycling programs or authorized disposal sites. Some municipalities have designated drop-off locations for tires, ensuring environmentally friendly disposal.
Used tire recycling involves processing old tires into new products, such as rubber mulch, asphalt, or fuel. Many facilities specialize in this process, promoting sustainability and reducing landfill waste.