In British Columbia, Canada, there are several options for recycling tires responsibly. The province has a well-established tire recycling program managed by Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC), a non-profit organization that operates under provincial regulations to recycle scrap tires in an environmentally friendly manner.

How to Recycle Tires in BC:

Return to Retailers:

Most tire retailers in BC offer tire take-back services. When you buy new tires, you can usually leave your old ones at the shop. There is often no charge for this service as the recycling fee is typically included in the price when you purchase new tires.

Designated Drop-Off Locations:

There are hundreds of Return to Retailer (R2R) locations in BC where you can recycle your tires. While most drivers return old tires when purchasing new ones, you can also recycle up to four clean, off-the-rim tires at an R2R location. It’s recommended to call ahead to ensure the retailer can accept your tires. By doing so, you contribute to recycling efforts and help transform scrap tires into new and useful products. Note that a fee applies for tires on rims, as rims are not included in the Tire Stewardship BC program. For recycling bicycle tires or tubes, please visit our Bicycle Tire Recycling page.

TSVC Network

TSBC has a network of designated drop-off locations throughout the province where you can take your old tires for free, as long as they meet the program’s criteria (e.g., passenger car tires, light truck tires, etc.). These locations include tire retailers and recycling centers.

TSVC Network

Municipal Recycling Programs:

Some municipalities may have specific arrangements or special events for tire recycling. It’s worth checking with your local government or municipal waste management department for any additional options.

Special Programs for Large Volumes:

For businesses or individuals with large volumes of tires (e.g., from a farm or commercial transport business), TSBC provides resources and guidance on how to manage tire disposal responsibly.

Why Should I Recycle My Tires:

Recycling tires is crucial for several environmental and public health reasons. Scrap tires take up valuable landfill space, with an estimated 275 million tires currently in landfills. They can contaminate groundwater, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. Additionally, discarded tires create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus. Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) ensures the responsible collection, processing, and eco-friendly management of scrap tires under the B.C. Recycling Regulation. By recycling tires, we help reduce landfill waste, prevent environmental contamination, and mitigate health risks.

More Information:

For more specific information about tire recycling locations or about the tire recycling program in British Columbia, you can visit the Tire Stewardship BC website. They provide detailed information, including a search tool to find the nearest tire recycling drop-off point based on your location. This makes it easy to ensure that your used tires are handled properly and recycled into new, useful products.