We know how good it feels to get rid of unwanted junk around the house. But some items are a little trickier to dispose of than you may think. You may be wondering what to do with old tires. Here's the deal... If you're trying to get rid of used tires in a dumpster rental, you'll need to work with your local Dumpster Consultant to do it properly. Here are five things you should know about tire disposal.
  1. Using a Dumpster Rental? Keep Them Separate
  2. Where to Dispose of Old Tires
  3. What Happens to Old Tires?
  4. Fun Alternatives to Tire Disposal
  5. Think Before You Get Rid of Old Tires

1. Using a Dumpster Rental? Keep Them Separate

Tires, like several other household items, require extra care when it comes time to throw them out. They can't simply be tossed in with the rest of your debris, because they need to be recycled separately. Residential customers should give their local Dumpster Consultant fair warning ahead of time if tire disposal is part of their project. Our Dumpster Consultants will tell you exactly what to do with old tires. In many areas, they can arrange for the used tires to go in the dumpster last, on top of the other debris, for a recycling fee. It's hard to generalize, because every state, city and individual market has its own rules for tire disposal. Some areas don't allow tires in dumpsters at all, so it's important to ask. If you've recently moved to a new city or state and are calling us to rent a dumpster, it's a question you'll want to ask at that time. No matter which franchise you call, you'll be greeted by one of our helpful Dumpster Consultants, who can help you make the best choice. They'll walk you through each step of the process, including the best way to deal with the old tires you're looking to get rid of. Keep in mind that tire disposal can be expensive, so if you have an alternative solution, you may want to consider it. Fees vary by location, largely because of the cost of recycling tires safely, so ask your Dumpster Consultant for current pricing. If you'd like to avoid these charges but you're not sure what your alternatives are, talk to one of our Dumpster Consultants about your options. They're always happy to help and will work hard to save you money whenever they can. After all, we want to be your first choice every time you need a dumpster rental. Items you can't place in a dumpster, including tires and hazardous waste

2. Where to Dispose of Old Tires

Many states do not allow people to leave tires at landfills. They take up a lot of space, don't break down easily and contain components that pose ecological problems. Tires can also trap methane gas, which can damage the landfill liners meant to keep pollution out of local water sources. If you decide not to put your used tires in a dumpster rental, you're probably asking, what can I do with these old tires? There are a few other options for tire disposal. Most car service shops will recycle your old tires if you buy new ones from them. You can also check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept tires. Some cities even hold tire disposal events where residents can drop off tires for free. Contact your local solid waste management agency for more information, or find tire recycling locations through Earth911. Decluttering tips guide: learn how to declutter your home

3. What Happens to Old Tires?

It's also important to recycle tires simply because there are so many of them, and that number continues to grow each year. Americans wear out about 290 million tires a year, and they recycle 233 million of them, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But what can your recycled tires become? There are at least 110 products made from recycled tires. They can be used in sound barriers, playgrounds, alternative fuel, mulch, athletic fields, railroad ties, decks and building materials, to name a few.

4. Fun Alternatives to Tire Disposal

Old tires reused as garden plantersIf you decide to keep them, there are several creative ways to extend the life of your tires, instead of just leaving them piled up around your yard or taking up precious space in your garage. Beyond the typical tire swing, you can also use spares in your garden. Clean the tires with soapy water, place them in your yard, fill them with soil and add plants. Stick with non-edible plants, though, as plants can absorb chemicals from the tire that you wouldn't want to ingest. You can also cut a tire into a plant bed border, which is sure to attract attention. If you're feeling crafty, you can even make tables, chairs, non-skid steps, an obstacle course or an array of other décor pieces out of tires. There's really no limit when it comes to DIY tire recycling.

5. Think Before You Get Rid of Old Tires

Stack of old tires waiting for disposalIf you're not sure what to do with old tires, do a little research. Whether you put them in your dumpster rental with your Dumpster Consultant's OK, find a local recycler who will take them, or transform them into something useful at home, we all need to be responsible recyclers. If in doubt about what you can and can't put in your dumpster rental, contact your local Bin There Dump That franchise operator. Images: Two old tires, Tire chairs
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