Auto auctions move hundreds of vehicles per week — and with them, hundreds of tires. Whether you're running a dealer-only auction, a public sale, or a salvage operation, waste tires accumulate fast. Here's how to handle them legally, efficiently, and without disrupting your operation.
The Tire Problem at Auto Auctions
Auto auctions generate waste tires from multiple sources:
- Vehicles that arrive with flat, damaged, or unusable tires
- Tire swaps done on-site before vehicles go to auction
- Reconditioning and detailing operations that replace worn tires
- Salvage vehicles stripped for parts before sale
- Fleet and commercial vehicles with mixed tire sizes
A mid-size auction running 200 vehicles per week can easily generate 50–150 waste tires per week. Without a system in place, that pile grows fast.
SC DHEC Requirements for Auto Auctions
Auto auctions are considered waste tire generators under SC law. Key requirements:
500-tire storage limit
You cannot store more than 500 waste tires on your property without a DHEC waste tire storage facility permit. Most auctions hit this limit quickly without regular removal.
Registered hauler required
All tire removal must be done by a SC DHEC-registered waste tire hauler. Using an unlicensed hauler — or disposing of tires yourself — creates liability.
Manifest documentation
Every load that leaves your property must be documented with a signed manifest. You must retain copies for 3 years.
No landfill disposal
Whole tires cannot go to a landfill in South Carolina. They must go to a permitted processing facility.
Best Service Setup for Auto Auctions
Most auto auctions do best with one of two approaches:
Weekly Scheduled Pickup
We come every week (or every other week) and remove all accumulated tires. You get a manifest each visit. Best for auctions with predictable weekly volume.
$4.00/passenger tire
Roll-Off Container
We drop a container at your facility. Your team loads tires as they come in. We swap when full. Best for high-volume operations or those with limited staff time.
$225/ton, 10-ton minimum
Pricing Overview
| Tire Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Passenger car tires | $4.00 each |
| Light truck / SUV tires | $6.00 each |
| Pickup tires (33"/35") | $7.00 each |
| Pickup tires (37") | $9.00 each |
| Semi / commercial tires | $22.00 each |
| Super Singles | $44.00 each |
| Bulk roll-off (mixed) | $225/ton (10-ton min) |
| Environmental fee | $25 per transaction |
What to Have Ready When You Call
- Your auction location (city/county in SC)
- Average weekly vehicle volume
- Estimated weekly tire count and types
- Whether you prefer scheduled pickup or roll-off container
- Any existing hauler contract or expiration date
Get a Quote for Your Auto Auction
We serve auto auctions across South Carolina. Call or request service online — we'll have a quote to you within 24 hours.