The Right Way to Dispose of Tires in Georgia (And What NOT to Do)

Whether you are cleaning out a backyard in Athens, managing a commercial property in Atlanta, or clearing out an old farm in rural Georgia, disposing of old tires is a task that comes with significant legal and environmental responsibilities. In the State of Georgia, tires are considered “special waste,” meaning they cannot be tossed into your regular trash bin or hauled to just any landfill.

Understanding the “right way” to handle tire removal ensures you stay compliant with state law, protect your local environment, and avoid hefty fines. Here is everything you need to know about scrap tire disposal in the Peach State.

The Legal Reality: Georgia’s Scrap Tire Laws

Georgia has some of the strictest tire management regulations in the country, governed by the Environmental Protection Division (EPD). These laws are designed to prevent “tire piles” – unsightly mounds of rubber that pose fire risks and health hazards.

1. The Landfill Ban

Under Georgia Code § 12-8-40.1, whole scrap tires are strictly prohibited from being disposed of in landfills. Because tires are hollow and buoyant, they have a tendency to “float” to the top of landfill cells, damaging the protective liners designed to prevent groundwater contamination.

2. Storage Limits

If you are a private citizen, Georgia law typically restricts you from storing more than 25 scrap tires on your property without a specific permit. For businesses, the rules are even tighter regarding how tires are stacked and secured to prevent fire hazards.

3. The 10-Tire Transport Limit

One of the most overlooked laws involves transportation. In Georgia, you are generally not allowed to transport more than 10 scrap tires at a time unless you are a state-permitted tire carrier. If you are caught hauling a trailer full of old tires without the proper decals and manifests, you could face significant legal trouble.

What NOT to Do: The Risks of Improper Disposal

When faced with the cost and effort of proper disposal, some might be tempted to take shortcuts. However, the “wrong way” to dispose of tires carries consequences that far outweigh the convenience.

• Don’t Burn Them: Burning tires is illegal in Georgia. Tire fires release toxic black smoke, heavy metals, and “tire oil” into the soil and air. Once a tire fire starts, it is notoriously difficult to extinguish – some have been known to burn for months.
• Don’t Dump in Ravines or Creeks: Illegal dumping is a serious offense. In Georgia, dumping more than 500 pounds of waste (roughly 20 – 25 passenger tires) can be escalated to a felony charge for repeat offenders, carrying fines up to $25,000 and potential prison time.
• Don’t Leave Stagnant Water: Tires left outdoors are the #1 breeding ground for mosquitoes in Georgia. The insulated, dark interior of a tire provides the perfect incubator for larvae, increasing the risk of West Nile and Zika viruses in your neighborhood.

The Right Way: How to Properly Dispose of Tires

So, how do you handle those old sets of Michelin or Bridgestones sitting in your garage?

Option 1: Tire Retailers

When you buy new tires, Georgia law mandates a small “Scrap Tire Fee” (usually around $1.00 per tire). Most retailers will take your old tires for a small additional recycling fee. This is the easiest way to handle a single set of four.

Option 2: County Amnesty Days

Many Georgia counties host “Amnesty Days” or “Clean Sweep” events once or twice a year. During these events, residents can often drop off a limited number of tires at a local collection center for free or at a discounted rate.

Option 3: Professional Junk Removal

For homeowners or businesses dealing with a large volume of tires, the most efficient and legally compliant method is hiring a full-service team. At TopDawg Junk Removal, we handle the heavy lifting and the logistics of state compliance.

When you book a junk removal service, you don’t have to worry about the 10-tire transport limit or finding a permitted processor. We ensure that every tire we collect is hauled by a permitted carrier and taken to a licensed recycling facility.

Where Do the Tires Go? The Benefits of Recycling

The “Right Way” ends with the tire being repurposed into something useful. Georgia is a leader in tire recycling, turning old rubber into:

• Rubberized Asphalt: The Georgia DOT uses crumb rubber to create more durable, quieter highways across the state.
• Playground Mulch: Clean, wire-free rubber mulch provides a safer, shock-absorbing surface for children.
• Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF): High-energy rubber scraps are used as a cleaner-burning alternative to coal in industrial kilns.

Reclaim Your Space Today

Don’t let a pile of old tires become a liability for your property or a hazard for your community. Whether you need a full property cleanout or just a quick pickup of some old tires and rims, the “TopDawg” team is ready to help across North Georgia.

Ready to clear out the clutter? To schedule a service, request a quote, or book same-day removal, Book Now and connect with TopDawg Junk Removal today.