Recycling Used Tires
In California, it is illegal to dump tires at any location. Transfer Centers will take rimless tires for a set fee and rimmed for a slightly higher fee, but the best way for County residents is to dispose of used tires at the time tires are replaced at a tire shop or to wait for an amnesty event. Read more about events below when they are held. There is no set frequency for amnesty events.
Illegal tire dumps are a threat to people and the environment by providing breeding grounds for mosquitos, and shelter for rats, snakes and other vermin. Tire fires are dangerous to firefights and hard to put out. In addition, tire fires can produce thick, black, noxious smoke and toxic runoff.
*All Transfer Stations are currently NOT accepting rimed tires*
What Can You Do to Help?
- Maintain your tires properly
- Buy tires that promise higher mileage
- Whenever possible, buy products made from the rubber of old tires
- Know who can reuse or recycle your old tires
- Dispose of tires legally
Disposal of Tires
All transfer stations accept used tires for a fee. Please visit the Waste Disposal Guidance & Fees page for a fee chart.
Transport of Tires
A person who is not in a waste tire generating business plans on transporting over 10 tires to any location must get a one-day permit. for more information go to CalRecycle Tire Recycling and Market Development.
Locally, you may obtain a one-day exemption permit to transport 10 to 20 tires over California highways under PRC42954 a, 7 from Siskiyou County Community Development, Environmental Health at 806 South Main Street, Yreka. For example, transport tires to an amnesty event, or you are a rancher transporting equipment tires from one location to another. If you have a question about this permit, call 530-841-2100.
