Recycling Tires

Used tires (scrap tires) can pose many health and environmental risks if not disposed of correctly. Scrap tire stockpiles may lead to a high concentration of disease-carrying pests such as rodents and mosquitoes. Fire presents an additional concern. Though rare, scrap tire fires are difficult to extinguish and can burn for long periods.  Tire fires emit thick black smoke, can contaminate the soil with an oily residue and release polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, styrene, phenols, and butadiene into the air. Landfilling scrap tires can cause problems due to their uneven settlement and tendency to rise to the surface, which can harm landfill covers.

Fortunately, there is a well-established scrap tire recycling and reuse process. The majority of tires produced in the U.S. are recycled or used for fuel in industrial applications. To dispose of scrap tires, call the City of Rockville’s refuse number at (240) 314-8568 to arrange for a free household hazardous waste (HHW) pickup. 

Please make sure that the tire rim is removed before calling for scrap tire collection. The rim is metal and not considered HHW. To dispose of the rim, ask the Refuse Division for a special collection appointment.  You can also drop off scrap tires at the the Montgomery County Transfer Station (16101 Frederick Road, Derwood MD 20855). Their HHW collection area is open from 9 am - 5 pm, Sunday through Saturday.

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Environmental Management Division • Department of Public Works
Rockville City Hall • 111 Maryland Avenue • Rockville, MD 20850

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