If you're dealing with an illegal tire dump, an inherited tire stockpile, or years of accumulated tires on a property, the first question is always: what's this going to cost? The answer depends on several factors — but this guide gives you a realistic framework so you can plan and budget before you call anyone.
What Drives the Cost of Tire Pile Cleanup?
Number of tires
The single biggest cost driver. A 500-tire pile costs far less than a 50,000-tire stockpile. Most projects are priced per tire or per ton.
Tire types
Passenger tires are cheapest to process. Semi, OTR, and farm tires cost more per unit due to size and steel content.
Site access
Can a truck pull up and load directly? Or do tires need to be excavated, moved by hand, or pulled from water/mud? Access dramatically affects labor costs.
Burial depth
Tires buried underground require excavation equipment. This adds $5,000–$25,000+ depending on depth and soil conditions.
Distance from facility
Hauling costs increase with distance. Projects within 50 miles of our Georgetown facility get the best rates.
Processing method
On-site shredding is often cheaper for large piles than loading and hauling whole tires. We assess which is more cost-effective for your project.
Typical Cost Ranges by Project Size
| Project Size | Tire Count (est.) | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small cleanup | 100–500 tires | $800–$4,000 |
| Medium cleanup | 500–2,500 tires | $4,000–$18,000 |
| Large cleanup | 2,500–10,000 tires | $18,000–$65,000 |
| Major remediation | 10,000–50,000 tires | $65,000–$300,000+ |
| Buried / excavation required | Any size | Add $5,000–$25,000+ |
These are estimates based on standard passenger tire mixes within a 50-mile radius. OTR, semi, and buried tires will increase costs. Request a site-specific quote →
Cost Breakdown: What You're Actually Paying For
A typical tire pile remediation project includes these cost components:
Hauling & transport
Loading, transport to processing facility, fuel, and driver time.
Processing / shredding
Shredding tires into TDF chips or crumb rubber for downstream use.
Labor
Manual sorting, loading, site cleanup, and supervision.
Compliance & documentation
DHEC manifests, reporting, environmental compliance fees.
Mobilization
Getting equipment to the site, especially for remote locations.
Excavation (if needed)
Heavy equipment rental and operator time for buried tires.
Can Grants Cover Tire Pile Cleanup Costs?
Yes — in some cases. South Carolina has programs through SC DHEC and the South Carolina Tire Recovery Network (SCTRN) that can offset cleanup costs for qualifying sites. Municipalities, counties, and nonprofit organizations are most likely to qualify.
Private property owners typically don't qualify for grant funding, but if your property has been designated an illegal dump site by a county or municipality, there may be cost-sharing options available. Ask us — we work with SCTRN and can help you navigate the options.
DHEC Requirements for Tire Pile Remediation
Any cleanup involving more than a few hundred tires should be coordinated with SC DHEC. Key requirements:
- All tires must be removed by a DHEC-registered waste tire hauler
- A manifest must be completed for each load documenting origin, destination, and tire count
- Tires must go to a permitted processing facility — not a landfill
- If the site has environmental contamination (leachate, standing water), additional permits may be required
- Large projects may require a pre-cleanup site assessment and remediation plan
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The fastest way to get a firm number is to give us:
- Your location (city/county in SC)
- Estimated number of tires (or acreage of the pile)
- Tire types (passenger, semi, OTR, farm, mixed)
- Site access (can a truck drive up, or is it remote/wooded?)
- Any known burial or water issues
- Photos if available — even a phone photo helps
We'll give you a written estimate, usually within 24 hours of receiving the information.
Get a Free Cleanup Estimate
Send us your location, tire count, and a photo. We'll get back to you with a firm quote — no obligation.