Rachel writes practical guides on skip hire, waste removal, and responsible disposal in the UK. She explains what you can legally put in a skip, how to handle restricted waste, and what it really costs. Her goal is to give clear, up-to-date advice so households and trades stay compliant and avoid fines.
Reviewed by: Skip Hire Team Waste Compliance Manager | Upper Tier Waste Broker Licence CBDU596771
Getting rid of old tyres is a pain. You can’t just toss them in a skip, and if you dump them illegally, you could end up with a nasty fine. So, what’s the best way to get rid of tyres in a legal and eco-friendly manner?
I’ve been in the waste removal business for years, and I’ve seen people make all sorts of mistakes with tyre disposal. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the legal, eco-friendly ways to get rid of tyres, plus some insider tips to save you time and hassle.
To dispose of tyres legally in the UK, use one of these four methods:
Before we get into solutions, let’s talk about why tyres are such a problem:
The Risk: Illegal disposal (fly-tipping) can lead to a £50,000 fine or imprisonment under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
6 Legal Ways to Get Rid of Tyres in the UK
Yes, most UK household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) accept car tyres, but restrictions apply. * Quantity limits: Typically restricted to 4 or 5 tyres per household per year.
If you are currently buying new tyres, the retailer is often the easiest solution.
For larger quantities, specialized recyclers are the most eco-friendly route. These facilities shred the rubber to create:
If you can’t transport the tyres yourself, your local council can collect them from your kerbside.
If your tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread, they can be sold as “part-worns” on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
For garages, farms, or site clearances, you need a Waste Transfer Note.
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Action
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Consequence
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Putting tyres in a skip
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Skip will not be collected; additional "prohibited item" fees (up to £100 per tyre).
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Burning tyres
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Release of toxic chemicals (cyanide, CO2); immediate environmental prosecution.
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Burying tyres
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Illegal under UK land use laws without a specific Environment Agency permit.
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We took a tour of a Yorkshire recycling plant last year – here’s where your old tyres might end up:
Recycling tyres helps reduce waste and provides valuable materials for new products, from playground surfaces to energy recovery.
These cannot go to household tips. You must contact a specialist commercial waste carrier. Prices range from £30 to £80 per tyre, depending on size.
Most councils require tyres to be “rim-off.” If you can’t remove them, a scrap metal merchant may take the rims for free if you remove the rubber yourself.
No. Standard skips are for general construction and household waste. Tyres require a separate “waste stream” for legal processing.
While we can’t take tyres in our skips, we provide the most reliable waste removal for everything else across the UK.
Call our team on 0800 260 5989 for straight-talking advice
Online Quote: Get a same-day price for compliant skip hire.
