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Recycling used tires is not just an environmentally friendly concept, but it can also be a lucrative opportunity for those who are looking to earn some extra money. Every year, we produce many used tires that end up in landfills. In fact, in Illinois alone, the citizens are responsible for generating over 14 million used tires yearly, meaning more than one used tire per person annually.
However, thanks to the advancements in recycling technology, we have become quite proficient in repurposing old tires. They can now be turned into various products such as rubberized asphalt, playground surfaces, and even fuel. This opens up a new realm of possibilities for those interested in capitalizing on this eco-friendly initiative.
By recycling used tires, we contribute to a cleaner environment and help reduce the demand for raw materials used in producing new tires. Additionally, this can also be an excellent source of income for individuals who are willing to collect and sell used tires to recyclers or even repurpose them into new products themselves.
Can you turn recycling tires into a profitable business?
If you’re looking to make some extra cash while making a positive impact on your community, consider partnering with local auto shops to recycle their old tires. By taking these tires to recycling facilities, you’ll be paid for each one you bring in.
While auto shops could technically handle this process on their own, most auto shops face limited options when it comes to properly disposing of old tires:
1. They can transport the tires themselves
When you take your old tires to an auto shop for disposal, you might notice that they charge you a small fee for the service. If you’re wondering why, there’s a good reason behind it. The fee covers the expenses of transporting the tires to the nearest recycling facility. This includes the cost of the time and gas used to transport the tires, as well as any fee that the facility may charge for accepting them.
It’s important to note that if the auto shop didn’t charge you the fee, it would be at a loss. This is because it would have to cover all the expenses involved in transporting the tires to the recycling facility themselves, including the time and gas used, as well as the fee charged by the facility. Therefore, the fee charged by the auto shop is necessary to ensure that it doesn’t operate at a loss.
Many auto shops prefer to outsource the disposal of old tires to third-party recycling facilities. This allows them to avoid the hassle and expense of transporting the tires themselves. By charging a small fee, they can cover their expenses and ensure they don’t lose money on the transaction.
2. Or they can schedule a pickup
Recycling tires is a crucial aspect of environmental protection, but it can be quite challenging for auto shops to dispose of them. Most recycling facilities will happily collect tires from auto shops, but the catch is that they require a minimum of 100 tires to schedule a pickup. This means the auto shop needs enough storage space to hold all the tires until the minimum requirement is met.
However, storing scrap tires is regulated by laws and regulations in many states, making it difficult for auto shops to keep them on their premises for an extended period. For this reason, most auto shops try to dispose of the tires as soon as possible.
This is where you can step in and help. Your advantage is that you don’t have to worry about the lack of storage space that most auto shops experience. You can make money by offering to pick up and dispose of the tires for them.
To earn money, you have two options, each with its own requirements.
Option one: Requires a pick up truck
If you want to start a used tire recycling business, having a pickup truck is a good starting point. Your primary responsibility will be to collect used tires from local auto shops and transport them to recycling facilities. You can charge the auto shops a per-tire fee for your services.
To get started, contact the local mechanics and let them know about your business. You can also hand out business cards to increase your visibility. Ensure you provide top-notch customer service to create a good reputation for your business. Speed and reliability in your pickup and delivery services can help you establish a loyal customer base.
As your business grows, you can consider expanding your services by partnering with other businesses or exploring new markets. It’s important to keep up with changes in regulations and industry trends to stay ahead of the competition. With hard work and dedication, you can build a successful used tire recycling business that benefits the environment and generates a steady income.
Option two: Requires a big empty space (garage, barn, etc.)
If you’re looking for ways to make some extra money, tire recycling could be a viable option. You don’t need a large vehicle or much space to get started. In fact, all you need is an empty garage or any kind of empty space that could be good for storage. The first step is to collect used tires. Most tire retreading centers will pick up your used tires if you have at least 100 of them. However, most auto shops can’t simply call them up and schedule a pickup because they lack the space to store 100 tires. This is where your big empty garage comes in handy.
You can start by using your car to pick up as many tires as possible and store them in your empty space. Once you have collected at least 100 tires, call the nearest recycling facility to schedule the pickup. It’s important to note that you should only collect used tires from legal sources and not from illegal dumping sites. You can check with your local authorities to find out the rules and regulations related to tire collection and disposal.
How much money can you make?
If you are looking for a way to earn some extra cash, tire recycling could be a lucrative option. Auto shops typically pay $3 per tire for disposal, while recycling facilities charge a flat $1 fee. This means you can earn up to $2 for every tire you collect. However, it’s important to consider the additional costs involved, such as gas and truck wear and tear, which can bring your net profit down to around $1.70 per truckload.
If you are willing to put in the effort, you can turn your tire recycling venture into a full-time, six-figure business. There are people who make up to $100 a day by collecting old tires from gas stations and car dealerships and selling them to local recycling and retreading centers. This can be a steady source of income if there are enough auto shops in your area to keep you busy.
Starting a tire recycling business doesn’t require a lot of capital, but it does require some planning and organization. You will need to find a reliable source of tires, such as local auto shops, and establish a system for collecting and transporting them. You will also need a storage area to keep the tires until you can sell them to a recycling center.
Why you should register your business
When starting a business, it’s important to take things seriously and do everything correctly. One of the first and most crucial steps is to register your business. This will help you establish yourself as a professional in your field and allow you to legitimately develop your business.
Registering your business usually involves filling out paperwork and paying a fee, which can be around $50 in most states. To learn more about the specific procedure in your area, visit your local city hall or government office.
While it may seem like an unnecessary step, registering your business can actually significantly impact your reputation. By making your business official, you demonstrate to potential customers that you are reliable, responsible, and committed to your work. This can ultimately lead to increased trust, more clients, and greater success in the long run.
Tire recycling centers near me
If you are looking for tire recycling centers near you that offer cash for used tires, RecycleNation.com (formerly known as 1800Recycling.com) is a great resource to consider.
It is essentially a comprehensive directory of all the recycling facilities operating in the United States, helping you easily locate the nearest facility by entering your zip code.
This website provides detailed information about the types of tires accepted, pricing, and other relevant details you may need to know. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive search function, RecycleNation.com is a reliable and efficient tool to help you find the most convenient and profitable tire recycling centers in your area.
Where to check for relevant rules & regulations
Visit EPA.gov for comprehensive technical information necessary to launch a recycling business in the United States.
Bonus option: Using old tires to make stuff to sell
If you’re not keen on storing and moving hundreds of tires but still want to earn from the few lying around in your garage, there’s another option: crafting items from used tires and selling them.
Here’s an example.
Making a tire swing
If you have an old tire lying around in your garage, you can repurpose it by turning it into a swing for your backyard. However, before you get started, you must take some safety precautions to ensure that the swing is safe for everyone to use.
First, carefully inspect the tire for any wires or sharp objects sticking out. These can be dangerous and could potentially harm someone who uses the swing. If you find any wires, make sure to fix them before proceeding.
Next, drill several small holes on the side of the tire that won’t be used for sitting. This will allow rainwater to drain out and prevent the tire from becoming waterlogged.
Thoroughly clean the tire, making sure to scrub off any dirt or debris from both sides. Dry it with a towel to prevent moisture from accumulating.
When choosing the rope, make sure to find one strong enough to support the weight of whoever will be using the swing. You can ask the seller at your local store for a recommendation. If you will be doing the hanging yourself, measure the length of rope you’ll need and add an extra two feet to account for knots.
Decide whether to hang the tire vertically or horizontally. If you choose the latter, you will need to add three chain ropes instead of one. Tie the knots extra securely to both the tire and the branch to prevent accidents.
There are plenty of creative options beyond just a tire swing. For instance, you might want to browse Pinterest for inspiration on tire crafts. There are many ideas, ranging from planters and garden decorations to furniture and even art.
If you’re interested in selling items made from old tires, it can be helpful to see what’s already out there on the market. One great place to look is Etsy, where you can find all sorts of unique and handmade items for sale. By browsing through the listings, you can get a sense of what types of tire crafts are popular and which ones are less so. This can help you focus on creating items that are more likely to sell.
Where to sell your DIY tire creations
Selling your art can be a great way to showcase your creativity and make money at the same time. There are several online platforms that you can use to sell your artwork, such as Etsy, eBay, and Amazon’s Handmade at Amazon service. These sites offer a convenient way to reach a large audience and take advantage of their built-in marketing tools.
If you prefer a more personal touch, consider selling your artwork at local flea markets or craft fairs. These events often attract a diverse crowd of people who appreciate handmade goods and are willing to support local artists. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to interact with potential buyers in person and receive instant feedback on your work.
No matter which route you choose, it’s important to do your research and set realistic expectations for your sales. Take the time to create high-quality photos of your artwork, write clear descriptions, and price your pieces competitively. With some effort and persistence, you can turn your passion for art into a profitable business.
Types of disposal fees
The process of disposing of tires can vary significantly from state to state, and the fees associated with tire recycling programs are often dependent on various factors, such as the size of the tire or the size of the vehicle.
It is worth noting that some states leave the collection of those fees to the retailer, allowing them to set their own prices. As of 2018, Hawaii had implemented a policy that required retailers to charge a fee for tire disposal but left the discretion of how much to charge up to the seller.
These fees can be referred to by various names, such as waste tire recycling fees, tire fees, or waste management fees, but they all serve the same purpose of encouraging responsible and sustainable tire disposal.
Tire disposal fee
The fee charged for tire disposal covers the cost of a licensed tire disposal service specializing in properly disposing of old tires. This service allows for the responsible management of waste tires by taking them to a tire recycling facility where they can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
State tire fee
When you purchase a new set of tires, you may notice an additional fee called a new tire fee. This fee is charged by the state in which you buy your tires and can vary from one jurisdiction to another. The primary purpose of this fee is to fund recycling programs that help reduce the number of stockpiled scrap tires.
It’s important to note that these fees are not excessively high and typically range from $1 to $5 per tire, depending on the state. However, larger tires may sometimes carry heavier fees. These fees are collected at the point of sale and are forwarded to the state’s environmental agency to help fund tire recycling programs.
Many states have adopted tire regulations recently, particularly in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In the South, for instance, 14 out of 15 states have established systems to track waste tires from their point of generation to their end use, ensuring proper disposal and recycling.
Moreover, most states have mobile tire waste processors, which can be deployed to collect and process waste tires effectively. Additionally, many states encourage voluntary forfeiture of waste tires through amnesty days when tire owners can deliver their waste tires without penalty. All of these measures are aimed at reducing the environmental impact of waste tires and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment.
Here’s a breakdown of state tire fees you might encounter across different states:
- Alabama: $1 per tire
- Alaska: $2.50 per new tire, with an additional $5 for each studded tire
- Arizona: 2% of the tire’s retail price, capped at $2 per tire
- Arkansas: $2 per new car tire and $3 for each new truck tire with a rim size of 20 inches or larger
- California: $1.75 per tire
- Colorado: $1.25 per tire
- Connecticut: $2 per tire
- Delaware: $2 per tire
- Florida: $1 per tire
- Georgia: $1 per tire
- Hawaii: Importers pay a $1 surcharge per tire brought into the state
- Idaho: No fee, but illegal dumping can lead to a $500 fine
- Illinois: $2.50 per tire
- Indiana: $0.25 per tire
- Iowa: Retailers may charge a fee at their discretion
- Kansas: $3 per tire
- Kentucky: $2 per tire
- Louisiana: $2 per tire weighing less than 100 pounds, $5 for each medium truck tire, and $10 for each off-road tire
- Maine: $1 per tire
- Maryland: $0.80 per tire
- Massachusetts: No specific fee, but “best practices” are suggested
- Michigan: Funded by a $1.50 vehicle title transfer fee
- Minnesota: No fee; retailers may charge a reasonable disposal fee
- Mississippi: $1 per tire for rim sizes less than 24 inches, $2 per tire for rim sizes greater than 24 inches
- Missouri: $0.50 per tire
- Montana: No fee
- Nebraska: $1 per tire
- Nevada: $1 per tire
- New Hampshire: No fee, but towns may charge for disposal
- New Jersey: $1.50 per tire
- New Mexico: $1.50 per tire
- New York: $2.50 per tire
- North Carolina: 2% disposal tax for tires with rims of 19.5 inches or less, 1% for rims larger than 19.5 inches
- North Dakota: No fee
- Ohio: $1 per tire
- Oklahoma: $2.90 per tire for rims between 17.5 and 19.5 inches, $5.50 per tire for rims larger than 19.5 inches
- Oregon: No fee
- Pennsylvania: $1 per tire
- Rhode Island: $5 per tire
- South Carolina: $2 per tire
- South Dakota: $0.25 per tire, not exceeding $1 per vehicle, on county vehicle registration
- Tennessee: $1.35 per tire
- Texas: No state fee; retailers may charge their own fees
- Utah: $1 per tire
- Vermont: No fee
- Virginia: $0.50 per tire
- Washington: $1 per tire
- West Virginia: No fee, but retailers may charge to cover lawful disposal costs
- Wisconsin: Various local fees exist; for example, Janesville charges $5 per tire with rims less than 24 inches, and Madison charges $5 per tire
- Wyoming: No state fee, but specific landfill disposal fees apply; for instance, the Laramie Landfill charges $4 per auto/light truck tire, $10 for heavy truck/light industrial tires, and $75 for heavy equipment tires.
The bottom line
By recycling old tires, you are not only contributing to the health of our planet but also making a positive impact on your wallet. Tires take a long time to decompose in landfills and can release harmful chemicals into the environment, leading to soil contamination and groundwater pollution.
By taking them to the local facilities, you can ensure that they are properly disposed of or repurposed. Additionally, you can get creative and use old tires to make artwork, furniture, or even planters for your garden. This not only helps divert waste from landfills but also provides an opportunity to save money, as you can repurpose something that would have otherwise been thrown away.