How to Dispose of Old Tires in Massachusetts

Old tires are one of the trickiest items to get rid of in Massachusetts. They are banned from landfills, most curbside pickup programs will not take them, and you cannot legally dump them. Whether you have a few tires from a recent change or a pile of old tires in the garage, here is how to dispose of them properly in Massachusetts — including costs, recycling options, and where to drop them off in Middlesex County.

Why Tires Are Banned from Massachusetts Landfills

Massachusetts banned whole tires from landfills because they:

• Take up enormous space and do not compress
• Trap methane gas and can cause landfill fires
• Collect water and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes
• Never fully decompose — they last hundreds of years in a landfill

Tire Disposal Options and Costs

| Option | Cost Per Tire | Notes |

|--------|--------------|-------|

| Tire shop (with purchase) | Free - $5 | When buying new tires |

| Tire shop (drop-off only) | $3 - $10 | Call ahead to confirm |

| Transfer station | $3 - $8 | Residents only, limit may apply |

| Auto parts store | Sometimes free | Limited acceptance |

| Professional junk removal | Varies | Part of a larger cleanup |

Tire Shops

Most tire shops will dispose of your old tires when you purchase new ones — often for free or a small fee ($2-5 per tire). Some shops also accept tire drop-offs without a purchase for $5-10 per tire.

Municipal Transfer Stations

Most Middlesex County transfer stations accept tires for a fee:

• Typically $3-8 per passenger tire
• Truck tires and oversized tires may cost more
• Some towns limit the number of tires per visit (usually 4-8)
• Bring proof of residency

Seasonal Tire Collection Events

Some towns hold special tire collection days, often in conjunction with hazardous waste events. Check your town DPW website for scheduled dates.

What Happens to Recycled Tires?

Recycled tires are processed into:

• Crumb rubber for playground surfaces, athletic tracks, and turf infill
• Tire-derived fuel for cement kilns and industrial boilers
• Road construction materials — rubberized asphalt for highways
• Mulch for landscaping

Tires and Junk Removal

McDumpsters cannot include tires in a standard junk removal or dumpster load — they are a restricted item at most disposal facilities. However, if you are doing a garage cleanout and have a few tires mixed in with other junk, let us know when you call. We may be able to handle tire disposal separately for an additional fee.

Bottom Line

For a few tires, your local tire shop or transfer station is the cheapest option. For a large garage or property cleanout that includes tires plus other junk, call McDumpsters at (978) 375-2272 and we will figure out the best approach for everything. Serving all 13 towns in Middlesex County.