Recycling Tires

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Charleston County residents are required by law to dispose of waste tires properly. When replacing worn tires at a tire shop, the business will properly dispose of the old tires for you. However, if you have waste tires, you will need to bring them to a drop-off location (see below) for recycling. Residents are allowed to bring up to five tires for free. For more than five tires, residents must pay $90 per ton.

The tires are recycled by a private company. Tires are recycled into not only new tires, but also rubberized playground surfaces; landscaping mulch, truck bed mats; tire-derived fuel; commercial flooring; rubberized asphalt; products used in civil engineering applications; as well as decorative items like coasters.

Tires are one of the most problematic sources of waste. Tire stockpiles create a great health and safety risk. Tire piles provide harborage for vermin and a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may carry diseases. Illegal dumping of scrap tires pollutes ravines, woods, and empty lots. If you see a tire stockpile, report it to the Charleston County Environmental Officer at (843) 202-7975.