What is a Way to Get Rid of Used Tires Cheap?

Used tires create big problems for landfills. Because of the materials they are made out of, which are intended to be very durable, they do not decompose. They also take up a lot of space, but 75 percent of the space is 'void space,' or useless space. Tires tend to pop to the surface because they fill with methane gas, and this causes even more problems for the landfill company. Tires in landfills are such a menace that 38 states have passed legislation banning used tires from entering the landfills, and this creates quite a problem for people who need to get rid of them. If you have some tires that you need to dispose of, consider these options.

Tire Recycling

Tire recycling is a good option for tires that have no life left in them. Recycled tires can be turned into other useful products. For instance, shredded tires can be used as substrate for playgrounds in lieu of woodchips or gravel, which can cause injury. Steel mills can burn tires in order to replace the carbon lost in steel manufacturing. Whole tires can be used as barriers or for erosion control. Tires can even be stamped and cut to make certain types of clothing, such as rubber sandals.

One problem with tire recycling is that it is not always cheap. You will sometimes have to pay to recycle tires, and if you are looking for a cheap way to get rid of your unwanted tires, you are going to be disappointed. However, before you rule out this option, talk to your local recycling center to see what options in your area are available.

Sell Your Used Tires

Believe it or not, you might be able to sell your used tires. If they are in usable shape, but simply need a patch, a junkyard might be willing to buy them from you in order to repair and then resell them. In fact, you can actually make quite a bit of money selling used tires to the right junkyard if you shop around to find one that will pay a decent price. Some people have used this to bring in a secondary income for their families, placing ads in the local papers collecting other people's used tires for free, and then reselling them to a local junkyard.

What do you need to know if you want to pursue this option? Start by visiting area junkyards and telling them about the tires that you have. Be sure to be completely honest about the condition, as this will dictate the price. See what they will offer, and then try to negotiate a better price. In general, used tires should bring in 25 to 50 percent of the actual retail value of a similar used tire. If you are not happy with the price, shop around until you find a better one.

You can also check with local repair shops that sell used tires. These places will likely only take the tires if they are in good shape, but most repair shops know how to repair flat tires and make them usable again. Before you begin negotiating a price, visit the shop to find out what they typically sell a similar sized used tire for, and use that number as your negotiating point.

Whatever you do with your used tires, do not throw them in the garbage bin. This is against the law in many states, and is very hazardous for the environment. Take some time to research your options and find a safe, affordable way to dispose of the tires that will not add them to the landfill.