Item: Passenger-vehicle tires (off-rim), up to 8 per collection Jurisdiction: Charlotte city limits, North Carolina Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Charlotte residents with city garbage service can schedule a free curbside bulky pickup for up to 8 passenger-vehicle tires. The catch: rims MUST be removed. Tires on rims are not accepted curbside. Schedule via the CLT+ app, online at servicerequest.charlottenc.gov, or call 311 (704-336-7600). Place tires at the curb by 6:00 AM on your scheduled day — no earlier than the day before.
If you cannot remove rims yourself, or if you have truck tires, oversized tires, or live in an apartment, skip curbside and use a Mecklenburg County drop-off center or a tire retailer. County centers may charge a per-tire fee — amount not confirmed, so call ahead.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary contact | Charlotte 311 / 704-336-7600 — ask for Solid Waste Services |
| Schedule method | CLT+ app, online service request, or call 311 |
| Collection method | Curbside pickup (scheduled) — also county drop-off and retailer take-back |
| Cost | Free for Charlotte residential garbage customers (curbside) |
| Quantity limit | Up to 8 passenger-vehicle tires per collection |
| Rim requirement | Rims MUST be removed — tires on rims not accepted curbside |
| Eligibility | Single-family residential garbage customers |
| Truck/tractor tires | May not be eligible — verify with 311 |
| County drop-off fee | Per-tire fee exists but amount not confirmed |
| Retailer fee | Typically $1-5 per tire — varies by store |
| Business waste | Commercial quantities require licensed scrap tire hauler |
Charlotte Curbside Tire Pickup
Eligible residential garbage customers can include tires as part of a bulky waste pickup request. This is the simplest and most affordable route.
The rules:
- Up to 8 passenger-vehicle tires per collection
- Rims MUST be removed. Tires on rims will be refused
- Free for eligible residential customers with city garbage service
- Schedule in advance — no unscheduled items accepted
- Place at curb by 6:00 AM on scheduled day, no earlier than day before
- Allow 3 feet clearance from garbage carts, recycling carts, mailboxes, poles, vehicles, and storm drains
What is NOT accepted curbside:
- Tires on rims
- Truck, tractor, or oversized tires (call 311 to verify)
- Commercial bulk tire quantities
- Tires from apartments or commercial properties
How to schedule: Three ways to book your pickup. The CLT+ app is the fastest — download it from your phone's app store, create an account linked to your Charlotte address, and select "Bulky Item Pickup." The online service request form at servicerequest.charlottenc.gov works the same way and is available without a smartphone. If you prefer to speak with someone, call 311 (704-336-7600) and ask for Solid Waste Services. Have your address and the number of tires ready.
Expect the earliest appointment to be a few days to a week out depending on demand in your area. You will get a confirmation with your scheduled date — keep this number.
Important — Rims Must Be Removed
This is the most common disqualifier. Tires on rims are not accepted in Charlotte's bulky waste collection. The city specifically requires tires to be off-rim.
If you cannot remove rims yourself:
- Take tires to a Mecklenburg County drop-off center (may accept tires with rims — verify)
- Use a tire retailer — stores like Discount Tire typically accept old tires when you buy new ones
If you have the tools and need to remove rims yourself, you will typically need a lug wrench and a tire iron. Standard passenger-vehicle rims come off with the lug nuts on the back side of the wheel. Wear work gloves — tires are heavy and may contain debris.
Tire Size and Type Restrictions
Charlotte's curbside pickup covers passenger-vehicle tires. Available official sources confirm the limit of 8 tires but do not specify exact size restrictions for larger tires.
What this means for you:
- Standard passenger car tires: accepted (up to 8)
- Light truck tires (SUV, pickup): call 311 to confirm eligibility
- Heavy truck, tractor, or oversized tires: likely not eligible for curbside — verify with 311
- Commercial bulk quantities: must go through a licensed scrap tire hauler
If you are unsure whether your tires qualify, measure the sidewall before calling 311. Passenger tires typically have a P prefix (e.g., P215/65R15). Light truck tires often start with LT. Having this information ready will help the 311 operator give you a faster answer.
Route Comparison at a Glance
This table compares the four main tire disposal routes available to Charlotte residents. Use it to choose the option that fits your situation.
| Route | Cost | Quantity Limit | Rims OK? | Who Can Use | Vehicle Needed | Schedule Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte curbside bulky pickup | Free | Up to 8 passenger tires | No — rims must be removed | Single-family residential customers | No | Yes — via CLT+ or 311 |
| Mecklenburg County drop-off center | Per-tire fee (amount unknown) | Verify with center | May be accepted — call ahead | All county residents | Yes | Call ahead for hours |
| Tire retailer take-back | $1-5 per tire (typical) | Varies by store | Usually yes | Anyone | Yes | No — but call ahead |
| Licensed scrap tire hauler | Varies — get written quote | Bulk/commercial quantities | Usually yes | Businesses only | No | Yes — schedule pickup |
Alternatives: County Drop-Off Centers
Mecklenburg County operates four full-service drop-off recycling centers that accept tires: Foxhole, Hickory Grove, Compost Central, and North Mecklenburg.
| Detail | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to Mecklenburg County residents |
| Blue sticker | Required — available at fee booth |
| Hours | Typically Mon-Sat (verify with specific center) |
| Fee | Per-tire fee exists — amount not confirmed |
| Rims | May accept tires with rims — verify when calling |
| Tire types | May accept larger tires — verify with center |
Before hauling tires to a county center: Call ahead to confirm per-tire fees, whether they accept your tire size, whether rims are acceptable, and current hours.
The four centers are spread across Mecklenburg County — Foxhole serves the south, Hickory Grove the east, Compost Central is near Uptown, and North Mecklenburg covers the northern areas. Which one is closest depends on where you live. Call the specific center rather than 311 for center-specific questions about tire acceptance and fees.
Retailer Take-Back Programs
Many tire retailers and auto service centers accept old tires for recycling — typically when you purchase new tires.
| Retailer | Typical Policy |
|---|---|
| Discount Tire | Accepts old tires, typically $1-5 per tire disposal fee |
| Local tire shops | Varies — call the specific Charlotte store |
| National retailers | Ask at purchase — policies vary by location |
Not all Charlotte locations of national chains follow the same policy. Call the specific store before going. Disposal fees typically run $1-5 per tire, but confirm the amount when you call.
If you are buying new tires anyway, this is often the most convenient option. The retailer handles everything, and the disposal fee is small. If you are not buying new tires, some stores may still accept old tires for a fee — but you will need to call around to find one that does.
Apartment and Multi-Unit Options
If you live in an apartment or condo, you may not qualify for Charlotte's free curbside tire pickup. Multi-family properties with city service are not eligible for the bulky waste program.
Your options:
- Mecklenburg County drop-off center — you are eligible as a county resident. Get a blue entry sticker and bring ID.
- Tire retailer take-back — call a nearby tire shop and ask if they accept old tires from individuals.
- Ask your property manager — some complexes have maintenance staff who can help or know the building's waste disposal procedures.
- Friend or neighbor with a vehicle — if you need transport help.
Renter-specific scenarios:
You have 4 old tires but no vehicle. The county drop-off is your cheapest option but requires a way to get there. Consider asking a neighbor with a truck or SUV, or see if a nearby tire shop will accept them if you are also buying new tires there. Some shops offer free disposal with a new tire purchase.
You have oversized truck tires and rent. Your best bet is calling a tire retailer first — they are more likely to accept larger tires than the county may. Verify with the specific store before hauling.
Your apartment complex has a maintenance contract. Some property managers have arrangements with waste haulers who can take tires. Ask the leasing office if they have a process for bulky waste disposal from residents.
Business and Commercial Tire Disposal
Charlotte's residential bulky pickup does not cover commercial tire quantities. If you have tires from a business, fleet, or commercial operation, you must use a licensed scrap tire hauler.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) oversees the state's scrap tire management program. Search for "NC scrap tire program" or "licensed scrap tire hauler Charlotte" to find options.
Costs and Fees
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Charlotte curbside bulky pickup | Free (up to 8 passenger tires, off-rim) |
| Mecklenburg County drop-off center | Per-tire fee exists — amount unknown |
| Tire retailer take-back | Typically $1-5 per tire |
| Licensed scrap tire hauler (commercial) | Varies — get a written quote |
What we know and what we do not: The curbside pickup is confirmed free — this is based on official Charlotte Solid Waste Services information. The Mecklenburg County per-tire fee is the biggest unknown. The county's website was not fully accessible, so the exact dollar amount is not available here. Always ask about fees when you call the center or 311. Retailer fees vary by location and are not set by the city.
How to Prepare Tires for Pickup
- Remove rims from all tires. Tires on rims will not be collected.
- Schedule pickup via CLT+ app, online, or call 311 — do not place curbside without an appointment.
- Place at curb by 6:00 AM on scheduled day, no earlier than the day before.
- Keep tires separate from other bulky items.
- Allow 3 feet clearance from carts, mailboxes, poles, and vehicles.
- Do not stack tires more than 4 high — lay flat if possible.
- Keep confirmation number in case pickup is missed.
Transport safety tips for self-hauling: If you are taking tires to a county center or retailer, secure them properly in your vehicle. Tires can roll and shift during transport. Use tie-down straps or bungee cords if you have an open truck bed. In a car or SUV, place tires flat in the cargo area — do not stack them in the passenger cabin. Tires are heavy (20-50 pounds each), so lift with your legs, not your back, and consider making two trips if you have more than 4.
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Leaving rims on tires
Tires on rims will be refused curbside. Remove rims before placing tires out.
2. Putting more than 8 tires out
The confirmed limit is 8 passenger tires per collection. Extra tires will not be collected.
3. Putting tires in the garbage cart
Tires are not accepted in regular trash. They must go through bulky pickup, county drop-off, or a retailer.
4. Dumping tires illegally
Illegal tire dumping carries fines and environmental harm. Tires collect water and breed mosquitoes. Always use a legal disposal route.
5. Assuming any tire shop takes old tires
Not all retailers accept old tires, and policies change. Call the specific Charlotte store before hauling tires there.
6. Stacking tires too high
Do not stack more than 4 tires high for pickup. They may topple and become a hazard.
Official Verification Checklist
Use this when you call 311 / 704-336-7600 or the county center. Tick each item as you confirm it.
- Confirm curbside tire pickup eligibility for your address — single-family residential only
- Confirm rim removal requirement — all rims must be removed
- Confirm tire count (max 8) and verify if more allowed
- Confirm truck or oversized tire acceptance
- Check county center per-tire fee — amount unknown, call ahead
- Confirm blue entry sticker needed for county drop-off
- Keep confirmation number for reference
Sources
- City of Charlotte — Trash and Recycling — Official municipal hub for solid waste services.
- Charlotte Collection Guidelines — Official pickup preparation rules and eligibility.
- Charlotte Household Hazardous Waste — Official program page.
- Charlotte Online Bulky Item Service Request — Schedule curbside bulky pickup.
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Policies, fees, and hours change. Always call 311 (704-336-7600) to verify current information before hauling tires for disposal.