Old tractor tires are one of the most common waste tire problems on South Carolina farms. They're massive, heavy, and awkward to move — and most people have no idea what to do with them. This guide covers your options.
⚠️ Don't Burn Them
Burning tractor tires is illegal in South Carolina and releases toxic chemicals including benzene, dioxins, and heavy metals. It's also a fire hazard that can get out of control quickly. There are better options.
Why Tractor Tires Are Different
Tractor tires present unique disposal challenges compared to passenger or light truck tires:
- • They're extremely heavy — a large rear tractor tire can weigh 300–500 lbs
- • Standard tire shops won't accept them
- • They can't go in regular dumpsters or trash pickup
- • They hold water, creating serious mosquito breeding grounds
- • They're subject to the same SC DHEC disposal regulations as any waste tire
Option 1: Call a Registered Waste Tire Hauler (Best Option)
The easiest and most compliant option is to call a SC DHEC registered waste tire hauler who specializes in farm and agricultural tires. They come to your property, load the tires, and handle everything from there.
Eco Tire Solutions LLC
SC DHEC Registered — Permit #WTH000541. We specialize in farm and agricultural tire pickup across South Carolina. Small farm tractor tires start at $40 each. Large OTR tires — call for a custom quote.
Learn about farm tire disposal →This is the only option that provides full legal documentation (a manifest) proving your tires were disposed of properly. This protects your farm from DHEC liability.
Option 2: County Collection Events
Some South Carolina counties hold periodic tire collection events where farmers can drop off tractor tires for free or at reduced cost. Check with your county's solid waste department for upcoming events. These events typically have limits on tire size and quantity.
The downside: these events are infrequent (often once or twice a year), have quantity limits, and require you to haul the tires yourself to the drop-off location.
Option 3: Repurpose on the Farm
Old tractor tires can be repurposed on the farm in several ways:
Important: If you repurpose tires, make sure they don't collect standing water — this creates mosquito breeding grounds. Drill drainage holes in the bottom of any tire used as a planter or trough.
Option 4: On-Site Shredding
For farms with large volumes of tractor tires, on-site shredding is often the most efficient solution. A mobile shredder comes to your farm, shreds the tires in place, and the chips are hauled away. This eliminates the need to move heavy tires to a staging area.
Learn about on-site shredding →Tractor Tire Disposal Pricing in SC
| Tire Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Small Farm Tractor Tires | $40.00 each |
| Large Tractor / OTR Tires | Call for quote |
| Combine / Harvester Tires | Call for quote |
| Environmental/Compliance Fee | $25 per transaction |
What Happens to Recycled Tractor Tires?
When Eco Tire Solutions picks up your tractor tires, they don't just disappear. They're processed into valuable products:
- Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF) — Shredded tire chips used as supplemental fuel in cement kilns
- Crumb Rubber — Granulated rubber used in playground surfacing and sports turf
- Rubber Mulch — Long-lasting landscaping mulch that doesn't decompose
- Steel Recovery — The steel in tractor tires is extracted and recycled separately
Ready to Get Rid of Your Tractor Tires?
We come to your farm, load the tires, and handle everything. Call Jack directly for a quote.