Will Junk Removal Take Tires?

Most junk removal companies won't take tires because Colorado has specific regulations that govern how scrap tires must be stored, hauled, and processed.

Key Takeaways

• Most junk removal companies won't haul tires due to Colorado's CDPHE scrap tire regulations under 6 CCR 1007-2-10
• Tire shops in Colorado Springs accept old tires for $2–$5 per tire — the easiest and cheapest disposal option
• Colorado requires haulers transporting 10+ tires to file annual reports with the state
• El Paso County holds periodic free scrap tire collection events for residents

Tires can't simply be tossed in a landfill or loaded onto a standard junk removal truck. Colorado's waste tire program, managed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), sets strict requirements for anyone who transports ten or more tires at a time. Standard junk removal haulers aren't typically permitted or equipped to handle them.

That said, tires are easy to get rid of on your own if you know the right options.

Why Do Tires Require Special Handling for Disposal?

Old tires create serious problems when they're stored or disposed of improperly. Stockpiled tires are a major fire hazard, and tire fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish and can release toxic smoke for days. Tires also collect standing water, which creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

Colorado's regulations under 6 CCR 1007-2-10 require that waste tires be managed through licensed generators, haulers, and processors. Any hauler transporting ten or more tires must file annual reports with the state. This compliance burden is why most general junk removal companies simply don't accept them.

Where Can You Take Tires in Colorado Springs?

The most straightforward option is to take tires back to a tire shop or auto parts retailer. Most tire retailers in Colorado Springs will accept your old tires for a small fee, typically between $2 and $5 per tire. This is built into the normal tire replacement process, and many shops accept tires even if you didn't buy them there.

Auto parts chains including AutoZone and O'Reilly Auto Parts locations in the Colorado Springs area often participate in tire take-back programs. Call ahead to confirm they're accepting tires before you load up the car.

Does El Paso County Hold Free Scrap Tire Collection Events?

El Paso County occasionally holds free or low-cost scrap tire collection events for residents. These events are a good option if you have a larger number of tires to get rid of. Check the El Paso County website or call the county's solid waste office for upcoming event dates.

Residents in Black Forest and Falcon tend to accumulate tires from farm equipment and off-road vehicles and should keep an eye on county collection event schedules.

Why Are Tire Retailers Your Best Bet for Disposing of Old Tires?

If you just need to dispose of a small number of tires quickly, your local tire shop is the fastest route. Bring your tires during a slower part of the day, and most shops can process them within minutes. The recycling fee is usually lower than what you'd spend on gas driving to a specialty drop-off.

Recycled tires in Colorado get repurposed in a number of ways: ground rubber for playground surfaces and athletic fields, crumb rubber for road construction, and fuel for industrial processes through tire-derived fuel programs.

What Can Junk Removal Take Alongside Tires?

Even if we can't load your tires, we can take everything else from a vehicle-related cleanout: old rims, car parts, oil containers (sealed and empty), garage shelving, toolboxes, and auto accessories. If you're clearing out a garage or storage area in Security-Widefield or Fountain and tires are just one part of the pile, set them aside and let us handle the rest.

We handle garage cleanouts, construction debris, and general appliance removal every day in the Colorado Springs area.

What Should You Know About Abandoned Tire Piles on Your Property?

If you've purchased a property with an existing pile of tires, this is a different situation. Large tire stockpiles may be subject to CDPHE oversight and could require a licensed waste tire hauler to address them legally. In those cases, contact the CDPHE Solid Waste program at (303) 692-3320 for guidance on your obligations before you start moving anything.

Quick Summary

• Most junk removal companies won't haul tires due to Colorado's scrap tire regulations
• Tire retailers are the easiest option, usually $2-$5 per tire
• El Paso County holds periodic free collection events
• Auto parts stores may accept tires for recycling
• We can still handle everything else in your garage or cleanout

For everything that isn't a tire, we've got you covered. Call (719) 628-5910 or get a free quote.