How to properly dispose of used tires

When the rubber meets the road — or in this case, the Kentucky Exposition Center.

pile of rubber tires

The program is supported by the Waste Tire Trust Fund, which is funded when tire retailers collect a $2 fee on all new replacement motor vehicle tires sold.

Photo via Louisville Metro Government

Every three years, Jefferson County hosts a free waste tire collection event. It’s part of the Energy & Environment Cabinet’s Kentucky Waste Tire Collection Program, which was established in 1998.

The next event will take place from Thursday, Oct. 5 to Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Any Kentuckian can drop off tires, except for tire retailers, scrap yards, and recycling facilities. Residents only, please.

Accepted tires include:

  • Tires on or off the rim
  • Truck, light truck, and passenger
  • Tractor and farm implement
  • Bicycle, motorcycle, golf cart, ATV

Pro tip: Check this list for what’s not accepted.

The collected tires from the event will be recycled into products like tire-derived fuel or crumb rubber, which is used for ground cover and to make running tracks.

Need to get rid of tires on an off-year? You can take your unwanted wheels to a Pop-Up Drop-Off Waste Disposal event held monthly around the city.

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