Last updated April 2026

How to Dispose of Old Tires in South Florida

Legal, free, and paid tire disposal options across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.

Quick Answer

Tires cannot go in regular trash or landfills in Florida. Free disposal options include county HHW events (usually limited to 4-8 tires), tire retailer take-back (typically $1-$4 per tire when purchasing new ones), and some auto parts stores. Umuve handles tire disposal as part of garage cleanouts. Illegal tire dumping carries fines of $500-$5,000 per incident in South Florida.

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In This Guide

1. Option 1: Tire Retailer Take-Back2. Option 2: County Drop-Off Events3. Option 3: Tire Recycling Programs4. Option 4: Creative Reuse & Drop-Off5. Cost Comparison6. Environmental Impact7. Common Mistakes8. FAQ

Option 1: Professional Removal by Umuve

The fastest option — starting at $149 – $285 (as part of garage cleanout).

Umuve accepts tires as part of full garage cleanouts and property cleanups. We transport tires to licensed recycling facilities where they are shredded into crumb rubber for playground surfaces, track surfacing, and rubberized asphalt. Individual tire-only pickups are not our primary service, but if you have a garage full of old tires along with other junk, we handle it all in one trip.

What is Included

  • Tires included in garage cleanout pricing
  • Transport to licensed tire recycler
  • Crumb rubber or retreading program
  • All hauling included
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Also see: Garage Cleanout service page — Available in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Homestead

Option 2: Municipal / County Pickup

Free for South Florida residents — but requires advance scheduling.

Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County SWA hosts free tire disposal events throughout the year. Residents can drop off up to 8 passenger tires per event (no commercial truck tires). Check pbcswa.com for event dates. Some events require registration — sign up early as slots fill quickly, especially in spring cleaning season.

Broward County

Broward County holds periodic free tire disposal events at various locations. Check broward.org/solidwaste for the schedule. Tire events typically accept 4-8 tires per household. Some Broward cities (Hollywood, Coral Springs) have partnerships with local tire shops for ongoing drop-off.

Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade County DERM holds tire collection events several times per year. The county also operates year-round tire drop-off at the South Dade Landfill HHW area for a nominal fee ($1-$2 per tire). Commercial tire quantities require a special permit.

Option 3: Donation

Salvageable tires in good condition (50%+ tread, no cracks, sidewall damage, or bulges) can be sold or donated. Tire shops sometimes accept usable tires for resale. Some retreading operations in South Florida accept quality passenger tires. Community garden projects use whole tires as planters. Local farming operations occasionally use tires as garden borders. Post on Facebook Marketplace — working tires sell quickly for $10-$40 each.

Option 4: DIY Disposal

For small quantities (1-4 tires), the easiest DIY option is bringing them to a local tire shop when you get new tires installed — most shops charge $1-$4 per tire for disposal, and it is the most convenient option available. Auto Zone and O'Reilly Auto Parts accept tires for recycling at most South Florida locations (fee varies by location). Certified tire recyclers will also accept drop-offs directly — call ahead for current pricing and hours. For larger quantities from a property cleanout, contact a tire recycler directly for scheduled pickup.

Cost Comparison

Compare all options side by side.

Option Cost Timeline Your Effort Eco Impact
Tire Retailer Drop-Off (when buying tires)$1–$4 per tireSame dayMinimalGood
County Tire EventFreeEvent dateYou transportGood
Auto Parts Store Drop-Off$2–$5 per tireSame dayYou transportGood
Umuve (as part of garage cleanout)$149+ (full cleanout)Same dayZeroGood

Environmental Impact

Florida generates approximately 30 million scrap tires per year. Tires present unique environmental risks when illegally dumped — they collect water and become prolific mosquito breeding grounds, a serious concern in South Florida where Zika and Dengue are active threats. When tires burn (common at illegal dump sites), they release benzene, toluene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Properly recycled tires become crumb rubber for playground surfaces, rubberized asphalt (which reduces road noise and improves traction), and new tire retreads. Florida's Waste Tire Manifest Program tracks all tire shipments from generator to recycler.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Dumping tires illegally

Florida's illegal tire dumping fines range from $500 to $5,000 per incident for first-time violators. Repeat offenses can result in criminal charges. South Florida counties actively investigate tire dumping — roadside cameras have led to hundreds of prosecutions.

Leaving tires in areas that collect rainwater

Even one tire left outdoors in South Florida's rain can breed hundreds of mosquitoes within days. This is a public health issue, especially during summer. Store tires flat or standing under a covered area until disposal day.

Assuming any junk removal company accepts tires

Many junk removal companies do not accept tires due to recycling surcharges. Always confirm before booking. Umuve accepts tires as part of full cleanouts and routes them to licensed facilities.

Not checking if your tires have resale value

Tires with 50%+ tread can sell for $10-$40 each on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Before paying to dispose of 4 tires with good tread, take 10 minutes to photograph and list them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I drop off old tires for free in South Florida? +

County HHW and tire events are free for residents (check pbcswa.com, broward.org/solidwaste, or miamidade.gov/solidwaste for dates). Many tire retailers accept tires for $1-$4 per tire regardless of purchase. Auto parts stores like AutoZone accept them at most locations.

Is it illegal to throw tires in the trash in Florida? +

Yes. Florida Statute 403.718 prohibits whole or shredded tires from being placed in regular trash or landfills. All tires must go through licensed recyclers, retreaders, or permitted disposal facilities.

What are old tires recycled into? +

Crumb rubber from shredded tires is used in playground safety surfaces, running tracks, artificial turf infill, and rubberized asphalt. Some tires are retreaded for reuse as vehicle tires. Tire-derived fuel is used in some cement kilns and paper mills as an alternative to coal.

How much does tire disposal cost in South Florida? +

Free at county events (limited to 4-8 tires). Tire retailers charge $1-$4 per tire. Auto parts stores charge $2-$5. Licensed tire recyclers charge $3-$10 per tire for drop-off. Large quantities (commercial or fleet) are priced by the pound.

Can tires be recycled into something useful? +

Yes. Shredded tire crumb rubber makes excellent playground surfaces that reduce fall injuries. Rubberized asphalt extends road life and reduces traffic noise. Retreaded tires are indistinguishable from new in many applications. Tire-derived fuel burns hotter and cleaner than coal.

Does Umuve pick up tires? +

Umuve includes tires in full garage cleanouts and property cleanups at no extra charge. We do not offer tire-only pickups as a standalone service. If you have a full garage to clear and tires are part of it, we handle everything.

Related Guides

Garage Cleanout Guide How to Dispose of Appliances Declutter for Spring Cleaning Renovation Debris Disposal Guide Junk Removal Cost Guide (South Florida)

Ready to Get Rid of It?

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