Do you have old tires piling up in your garage? Don’t let them go to waste! In BC, tire recycling is fast, easy, and free. It’ll help you keep your home clutter-free while protecting the environment. Here’s everything you need to know to drop off your tires responsibly and ensure they’re recycled properly, kept out of landfills, and turned into useful new products. We know tires are clunky and awkward to move, but with the right tips and local recycling options, the process is simpler than you might think.

Where to find information on tire recycling in BC

If you’re wondering how to recycle your old tires here in BC, the best place to start is right here at tsbc.ca. Our website is the official source for details on BC’s scrap tire recycling program, including what tires are accepted, how the system works, and where you can drop off your tires for recycling. On our site you’ll find a searchable “Recycle Your Tires” tool that lets you look up tire recycling locations by city or postal code across BC. You’ll also find important information about community tire collection events, and answers to common questions about the tire recycling process.

Where to take tires to be recycled

In BC, hundreds of local tire retailers participate in the Return‑to‑Retailer (R2R) program, offering convenient places where drivers can drop off their old tires at no cost. Most drivers recycle up to four tires at once, and you don’t need to buy new tires at the same time. Just make sure your tires are clean and off the rims before you go, and it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm the retailer can accept your tires that day.

Aside from the R2R network, TSBC also hosts seasonal tire collection events across the province. These community events provide additional opportunities to responsibly dispose of tires, often with added local benefits like cleanup initiatives and public engagement. Details on upcoming collection events are posted on the TSBC site as they’re scheduled.

What kind of tires are accepted

The most commonly accepted types include passenger car tires, light truck tires, small RV tires, and temporary spare tires marked with a “T” on the sidewall. These are generally accepted at Return‑to‑Retailer locations if they are clean and off the rims. Other types of tires may be accepted by some locations, but it’s important to check with the retailer in advance. This helps avoid surprises and ensures your tires can be processed without extra fees. If you’re looking to recycle bicycle tires and tubes, you can find more information on where to go here.

Related: From Old Tires To New Products: Understanding The Tire Life Cycle

What happens to tires once they’re dropped off

Once you drop off your tires at a recycling location, you’re setting them on a path to become something new. Haulers pick up the collected scrap tires and bring them to processing facilities in BC (primarily in Delta by Liberty Tire) where they’re broken down. Most tires are turned into fine rubber granules (crumb rubber) and mulch–materials that become safe playground surfaces, gym floors, running tracks, and other products made right here in the province. Over 90 % of scrap tires collected in BC are recycled into new products, while a small amount is repurposed for energy recovery in industrial applications, reducing the need for fossil fuels.

This local processing means that every tire you recycle here contributes to a circular economy in B, creating jobs and keeping materials out of landfills while supporting the creation of useful new products.