• How to recycle

    Tires

Tire Recycling in Ontario

You can recycle tires for free at approved tire drop-off locations across Ontario. Most retail tire stores and municipal depots accept up to 10 passenger or light truck tires per person per day, including tires on rims. To find verified tire drop-off locations near you, use the Recyclability collection finder tool.

If you are looking for tire recycling in Ontario, Recyclability provides clear guidance on tire disposal, where to take old tires in Ontario, and how used tire recycling works. Whether you have loose tires or rim and tire disposal needs, you can access free options province-wide.

Ontario Tire Recycling Explained

  • A pile of car tires waiting to be recycled.

    Drop-Off is Always Free

    Ontario residents can return used tires at no cost through regulated tire recycling programs.

    • Free residential tire drop-off is available province-wide.
    • Up to 10 passenger or light truck tires per person per day are accepted.
    • Tires on rims are included within the 10-tire daily limit.
    • No disposal fee is charged at approved collection sites.
    • Only residential quantities are eligible under this program.

    To locate a participating site, use the collection finder tool below.

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

    Tires Accepted

    Retail Tire Stores

    • Accept tires that are similar in size and type to those sold or serviced at that location. 
    • Must accept up to 10 tires per person per day.
    • Includes tires on rims within the daily limit.

    Municipal Depots

    •  Accept up to 10 passenger and light truck tires per person per day.
    • Tires on rims are permitted.
    • May have site-specific operating hours.

    These locations form part of Ontario’s regulated used tire recycling network.

  • A human inspecting a used racing car tire

    Tires Not Accepted

    Some types of tires are not included in the residential tire recycling program:

    • Muscle-powered vehicle tires (e.g., bicycles, strollers, kick scooters)
    • Power-assisted bicycle tires (e-bikes)
    • Personal mobility device tires (e.g., wheelchairs)

    These items may require separate recycling or disposal arrangements.

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

Support Responsible Tire Recycling Ontario

Tire recycling Ontario programs help keep valuable rubber and steel out of landfills while supporting responsible resource recovery across the province. By using approved tire drop-off locations and following provincial tire disposal rules, residents can ensure used tire recycling is managed safely and efficiently. Recyclability makes tire recycling in Ontario simple by providing clear guidance and a province-wide collection finder tool. Locate a free drop-off site near you today and recycle with confidence.

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.
Residents can return used passenger and light truck tires to approved retail tire stores and municipal depots across the province. Most locations accept up to 10 tires per person per day at no charge, including tires on rims. Use the Recyclability.ca collection finder tool to locate a verified drop-off site near you and confirm site hours before visiting.
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.