How to Safely Dispose of Old Tires in Nashville

Why Proper Tire Disposal Matters for Nashville Residents

Old tires are one of the most problematic waste streams in urban environments. When improperly discarded, they become breeding grounds for mosquitoes—including those carrying West Nile virus and Zika. In Nashville’s humid climate, a single tire can produce thousands of mosquitoes per season. Beyond pest risks, tires leach heavy metals, oils, and other toxic compounds into soil and groundwater. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) estimates that illegal tire dumps cost the state millions annually in cleanup and enforcement. Proper disposal doesn’t just keep neighborhoods clean; it protects public health, prevents fire hazards, and supports the local recycling economy.

Legal Requirements and Penalties in Nashville

Tennessee law strictly regulates tire disposal. Under the Tennessee Solid Waste Management Act, it is illegal to abandon tires on public or private property. Davidson County and Metro Nashville enforce additional ordinances. Violators can face fines up to $10,000 per occurrence, plus potential criminal charges for illegal dumping. Businesses that generate large volumes of used tires must register with TDEC and maintain proper documentation of disposal. Residents should always keep receipts from authorized facilities as proof of lawful disposal—especially if hauling tires themselves.

Where to Dispose of Tires in Nashville: Authorized Options

Metro Nashville’s Residential Convenience Centers

The city operates three convenience centers that accept household tires from Davidson County residents: the Omohundro Convenience Center (642 Omohundro Drive), the Ezell Harding Convenience Center (2500 Ezell Road), and the East Nashville Convenience Center (1010 Dr. Richard G. Adams Drive). Each location accepts up to four tires per trip without rims. There is a small fee—typically $2–$3 per tire—to cover recycling costs. Proof of residency is required. Visit Nashville Public Works Convenience Centers for current hours, fees, and holiday schedules.

Private Commercial Recyclers

Several certified companies in the greater Nashville area handle bulk tire recycling for residents and businesses. Liberty Tire Recycling (Nashville branch) processes thousands of tires daily into crumb rubber, playground surfaces, and asphalt additives. Lakin Tire and Waste Management’s Tire Recycling Program also serve Middle Tennessee. Private recyclers typically charge $1–$5 per car tire; truck and tractor tires cost more. Always confirm that the company is permitted by TDEC and does not ship tires to illegal stockpiles. A list of registered tire transporters can be obtained from TDEC’s tire recycling program page.

Special Collection Events

Several times a year, Metro Nashville partners with community organizations for large-scale tire amnesty events. These events often waive disposal fees for residents who bring in tires from their own properties. The city also holds a “Metro Clean Up Month” each spring and fall, during which tires can be dropped off at designated locations. Announcements are shared on the Nashville Office of Sustainability social media channels and local news outlets. Mark your calendar and sign up for email alerts to catch these free collection windows.

Step-by-Step Safe Tire Disposal Guide

1. Separate tires from rims – Most facilities require tires without rims. If you cannot remove the rims, call ahead; some locations charge extra or refuse rim-mounted tires.
2. Check tire condition – Only scrap tires are accepted. If a tire still has usable tread, consider selling it, donating it to a used tire shop, or repurposing it.
3. Secure your load – Loose tires can shift during transport, creating a hazard. Use ratchet straps or rope to fasten tires in an open pickup bed or trailer. For cars, place them in the trunk or rear cargo area and tie down if necessary.
4. Visit during operating hours – Convenience centers have strict hours; after-hours dumping is illegal and monitored by cameras. Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.
5. Present identification – Have your Tennessee driver’s license or Metro ID ready showing a Davidson County address. Non-residents may be charged higher rates or turned away.
6. Pay the fee – Most sites accept cash or credit cards. Keep the receipt—you may need it for proof of compliance with city code or for business records.
7. Unload in designated areas – Do not leave tires outside gates or near dumpsters. Place them in the specific container or bay indicated by facility staff.

What Happens to Recycled Tires? The Process Explained

Once collected, tires undergo a multi-step recycling process. First, they are shredded into small chips. Steel belts and fiber are separated using magnets and air classifiers. The resulting rubber crumb is cleaned and graded by size. This material finds its way into dozens of products: rubberized asphalt (used by TDOT on state highways), playground mulch, athletic track surfaces, landscaping mats, and even new tires. In Tennessee, recycled tire rubber is also used in erosion control projects and as an additive in concrete. Recycling one passenger tire saves approximately one gallon of oil compared to manufacturing new rubber. Nashville’s recycling program diverts over 300,000 tires from landfills each year, according to annual city sustainability reports.

Creative Repurposing of Old Tires

If you have a few tires that are still structurally sound, consider upcycling them before taking them to a facility. Popular DIY projects include:

• Tire planters – Paint the sidewalls and stack them to create raised garden beds for flowers or vegetables. Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes in the bottom.
• Outdoor seating – Wrap with rope or fabric to make ottomans or stools. Add a plywood seat and cushion for a budget-friendly patio piece.
• Playground swings – A classic use for a single tire suspended from a sturdy branch. Always inspect for exposed steel wires first.
• Pet beds – Clean the tire, line it with a soft pad, and your dog will have a durable bed that stays cool in summer.
• Retaining walls or garden borders – Lay tires flat and fill with soil or gravel to create low retaining walls. Stack no more than three high for safety.

Always avoid reusing tires that show dry rot, cracking, or damaged sidewalls—these are structurally compromised and should go directly to recycling.

What Not to Do: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Never burn tires – Open tire fires release thick black smoke filled with carcinogens and toxic particles. They are illegal in Tennessee and extremely difficult to extinguish.
• Do not put tires in your curbside trash or recycling bins – Tires are not accepted in single-stream recycling. They must go to a designated drop-off. Putting them in a residential cart can result in a fine and the container being left unemptied.
• Avoid hiring unlicensed haulers – Some “scrap tire” collectors operate without permits. They may dump your tires illegally, and you could be held financially responsible under Tennessee’s “cradle-to-grave” waste liability laws.
• Do not store large piles on your property – More than ten tires accumulated on residential property can trigger a code enforcement action. The Nashville Health Department investigates such complaints for pest and fire hazards.

Cost Comparison: Disposal vs. Dumping Fines

Proper disposal costs from $2 to $5 per tire at a convenience center, or slightly more for commercial recycling. Compare that to fines for illegal dumping: first-time offenders in Nashville can pay up to $5,000 under Metro Code, and repeat violators face up to $10,000 and possible jail time. The cost of cleanup for a single illegal tire dump often exceeds $50,000 when factoring in labor, transportation, and environmental remediation. The choice is clear—responsible disposal is far cheaper for both your wallet and the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nashville offer free tire disposal?

Yes, during tire amnesty events held periodically. Outside of those events, convenience centers charge a small fee to cover processing costs. Fee waivers may be available for low-income residents through certain community programs—contact the Office of Sustainability for current options.

How many tires can I bring at once?

Residential convenience centers generally accept up to four tires per visit without rims. If you have more than four, you may need to make multiple trips or use a commercial recycler. Businesses and farms should arrange direct pickup with a licensed transporter.

What about tires from motorcycles, bicycles, or tractors?

Motorcycle and bicycle tires are accepted at the same facilities, often at the same fee. Large tires from tractors, trucks, or heavy equipment cost more due to their size and the machinery required to process them. Call ahead to confirm pricing and acceptance.

Can I donate used tires that are still in good shape?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations such as local auto repair training programs (e.g., Nashville Auto Diesel College) sometimes accept used tires for student practice. Used tire shops may also purchase or trade them if the tread depth meets their standards. Check with the organization first to avoid a wasted trip.

Nashville Resources at a Glance

Facility/Service	Contact	Notes
Omohundro Convenience Center	615-880-2560	642 Omohundro Dr, 4 tire limit
Ezell Harding Convenience Center	615-880-2563	2500 Ezell Rd, accepts rims for extra fee
East Nashville Convenience Center	615-880-2510	1010 Dr. Richard G. Adams Dr
TDEC Tire Recycling Hotline	1-888-891-8332	Questions about permitted haulers
Nashville Office of Sustainability	615-862-8430	Amnesty event dates and programs

For the latest list of authorized private recyclers, visit TDEC’s tire transporter and processor list. Earth911 also provides a tire recycling locator at search.earth911.com; simply enter your ZIP code and “tires.”

Final Thoughts: A Responsible Nashville

Proper tire disposal is a shared responsibility. Every tire dropped at an authorized facility instead of a ravine, alley, or vacant lot keeps Nashville cleaner, safer, and more sustainable. The system works when residents follow the rules, use the designated drop-offs, and report illegal dumping (call 311 or the Health Department at 615-340-5655). By taking a few extra minutes to dispose of tires correctly, you help preserve the city’s natural beauty and protect its ecosystems for generations to come.