Item: Passenger tires, bicycle tires, scrap tires Jurisdiction: Raleigh / Wake County, North Carolina Official sources: City of Raleigh · Wake County Solid Waste · NC DEQ Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
The City of Raleigh does NOT collect tires through any curbside program. Tires are listed under "Items Never Collected by the City" alongside hazardous waste and construction debris. If you have old tires in Raleigh, you must take them to a Wake County Scrap Tire Facility.
| Route | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| North Wake Scrap Tire Facility | Free for Wake County residents | 9033 Deponie Dr, Raleigh — Mon–Sat 8am–4pm |
| South Wake Scrap Tire Facility | Free for Wake County residents | 6160 Old Smithfield Rd, Apex — Mon–Sat 8am–4pm |
| Tire retailer (when buying new) | Varies by store | Ask your tire shop at time of purchase |
Two critical preparation rules: Tires must be removed from rims (rims are NOT accepted), and if you have 5 or more tires, you must complete an NC Scrap Tire Certification Form Part 1.
Call the Wake County facility before hauling — confirm free disposal eligibility, rim removal requirements, and quantity limits for your specific load.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| City of Raleigh | Does NOT collect tires — no curbside, no bulky load, no special load |
| Primary disposal route | Wake County Scrap Tire Facilities |
| Two locations | North Wake (9033 Deponie Dr, Raleigh) and South Wake (6160 Old Smithfield Rd, Apex) |
| Hours | Both open Monday–Saturday, 8am–4pm |
| Cost | FREE for Wake County residents (per NC Scrap Tire Disposal Act) |
| Rim removal required | Tires with rims are NOT accepted |
| 5+ tire rule | Must complete NC Scrap Tire Certification Form Part 1 |
| Not accepted | Cut tires, oversized farm/construction tires, tires from dumps/cleanups, out-of-county tires |
| Business/commercial | Requires NC Scrap Tire Certification Form Parts 1 and 2 |
| Scrap Tire Disposal Tax | 2% on tires under 20" bead diameter, 1% on 20"+ |
Why Raleigh Does Not Collect Tires
Raleigh's bulky waste and special collection programs explicitly exclude tires. The city's official page lists tires under "Items Never Collected by the City," which also includes:
- Motor oil and automotive fluids
- Household hazardous waste chemicals
- Paint cans
- Batteries
- Propane tanks
- Construction debris
No amount of scheduling or fee payment changes this — Raleigh simply does not have a tire collection program. If you put tires at the curb, they will not be collected, and you may face fines for unauthorized curb placement.
This applies to bicycle tires as well. Whether you have a set of car tires or a pile of bicycle tires, the city will not pick them up.
Wake County Scrap Tire Facilities
Wake County operates two scrap tire facilities that accept tires from county residents at no charge.
North Wake Scrap Tire Facility
- Address: 9033 Deponie Dr, Raleigh, NC
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8am–4pm
- Accepts: Passenger tires from Wake County residents
South Wake Scrap Tire Facility
- Address: 6160 Old Smithfield Rd, Apex, NC
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8am–4pm
- Accepts: Passenger tires from Wake County residents
Which location should you use?
- Raleigh residents: North Wake (Deponie Dr) is closest — it is on the same road as the closed North Wake HHW facility, so do not get confused. The scrap tire facility at 9033 Deponie Dr is separate and operational.
- Southwest Raleigh / Apex / Cary: South Wake on Old Smithfield Rd is likely closer.
- East Wake: For residents in Wendell, Zebulon, or Knightdale, there is no East Wake scrap tire facility — use North or South Wake.
Eligibility Rules
- Tires must be generated in Wake County — out-of-county tires are not accepted
- Tires bought or sold outside North Carolina are not eligible
- The program is for household-generated scrap tires from residents
- You must be a Wake County resident — proof of residency may be required
Not Accepted
| Tire Type | Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Passenger tires (whole, clean) | Yes |
| Bicycle tires | Yes |
| Tires with rims | No — remove rims first |
| Cut tires | No |
| Oversized farm/construction tires | No |
| Tires from scrap tire dumps | No |
| Out-of-county or out-of-state tires | No |
Fees — Free for Wake County Residents
Per the North Carolina Scrap Tire Disposal Act (NCGS 130A-309.53), counties in North Carolina may not charge a separate fee for scrap tire disposal from residents. This means scrap tire disposal at Wake County facilities is free for eligible Wake County residents.
What about the Scrap Tire Disposal Tax?
The NC Scrap Tire Disposal Tax is not a fee you pay at drop-off. It is a tax applied at the point of sale when you buy new tires:
- 2% on tires under 20" bead diameter (most passenger car tires)
- 1% on tires 20" and larger
This tax funds the state's scrap tire management program. You already paid it when you bought the tires.
Per-Visit Quantity Limits
Available official sources do not specify a maximum number of tires per visit for residents. If you have 5 or more tires, you need the certification form (see below), but no stated per-visit cap has been published.
For large loads: Call the facility ahead of time and confirm they can handle your quantity. If you have a very large number (20+ tires), you may need to make multiple trips or consider a private hauler.
How to Prepare Tires for Drop-Off
Before You Go
- Remove rims — tires with rims attached are NOT accepted. You must take the tires off the rims before bringing them to the facility.
- Ensure tires are whole and clean — cut, damaged, or excessively muddy tires may be rejected.
- Separate from other waste — tires should not be mixed with regular trash or other recyclables.
- Count your tires — if you have 5 or more, download and complete the NC Scrap Tire Certification Form Part 1.
NC Scrap Tire Certification Form (5+ Tires)
North Carolina law requires residents disposing of 5 or more scrap tires to complete NC Scrap Tire Certification Form Part 1. This form certifies that the tires were generated from your household and are not from a commercial source, illegal dump, or out-of-county.
To get the form:
- Download it from the NC DEQ Scrap Tire Program website
- Or pick up a paper copy at the facility
- Complete it before or at the time of drop-off
What the form asks for:
- Your name and address
- Number of tires
- Statement that tires are household-generated
- Certification that tires were generated in Wake County
For business/commercial disposal, both Part 1 and Part 2 of the certification form are required.
Transport Tips
- Place tires in your trunk, truck bed, or cargo area — they are bulky but not heavy
- Clean tires can be stacked or laid flat
- If transporting many tires, secure them with straps or rope to prevent shifting
- Do not transport tires in the passenger cabin — they carry road grime and debris
Apartment and Multi-Unit Tire Disposal
Wake County scrap tire facilities do not explicitly exclude apartment residents — as long as you are a Wake County resident and the tires are from your household, you can use the facilities.
Apartment Residents
- You are eligible to use North Wake or South Wake scrap tire facilities
- Bring proof of Wake County residency (NC driver's license or utility bill)
- Personal vehicle is fine — no commercial restrictions
- Complete the certification form if you have 5+ tires
Multi-Unit Residents Without a Vehicle
If you cannot transport tires to a Scrap Tire Facility:
- Ask the tire shop where you bought your new tires — many retailers accept old tires when you purchase replacements. This is the easiest route for most people.
- Coordinate with your property manager — some complexes arrange periodic bulk waste pickups, though tires are often excluded from standard services.
- Ask a neighbor or friend for a ride to the facility.
Tire Retailer Disposal Options
When you purchase new tires, almost all tire retailers offer to take your old ones. This is the most convenient disposal method for most people — the old tires never leave the shop.
Important:
- Retailer disposal is a commercial transaction — not governed by city or county programs
- Some retailers include disposal in the price of new tires; others charge a separate fee (typically $2–$5 per tire)
- Policies vary by retailer and location
- Ask about disposal fees when you get your tire quote — do not assume it is included
If you have tires that need disposal but are not buying new ones, the Wake County facilities are your best option.
Business and Bulk Tire Disposal
Business Requirements
Businesses, contractors, and commercial entities disposing of scrap tires must follow a different process than residents:
- NC Scrap Tire Certification Form Parts 1 and 2 are required
- Fees and acceptance rules differ from residential disposal
- The Wake County facilities may have different operating rules for commercial loads
Do not bring business tires to the facility without confirming commercial acceptance and obtaining the required forms first.
What to Do
- Download and complete NC Scrap Tire Certification Form Parts 1 and 2 from the NC DEQ website
- Call the Wake County facility to confirm commercial drop-off hours and any additional requirements
- Search for "NC DEQ Scrap Tire program" for state-level guidance
- Do not estimate costs or expect the same free disposal that residents receive — commercial disposal fees are separate
Illegal Dumping
Improper tire disposal — dumping tires on public or private land — is illegal in North Carolina. Penalties can include fines and cleanup costs. Always use a permitted facility or licensed hauler.
Fees at a Glance
| Scenario | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wake County resident, under 5 tires | Free |
| Wake County resident, 5+ tires (with form) | Free |
| Non-Wake County resident | Not eligible — contact your own county |
| Business/commercial | Varies — call facility; requires NC forms |
| Tire retailer (when buying new) | Typically $2–$5 per tire or included in price |
| Private hauler | Varies — request written quote |
Official Verification Checklist
Use this before loading tires for drop-off. Tick each item as you confirm it.
- Confirm tires are whole and clean — no cuts, excessive mud, or damage
- Remove rims — tires with rims are NOT accepted
- Count your tires — 5+ requires NC Scrap Tire Certification Form Part 1
- Download and complete the form if you have 5+ tires
- Bring proof of Wake County residency — NC driver's license or utility bill
- Confirm facility hours — Mon–Sat 8am–4pm; check for holiday closures
- Call ahead for large/bulk quantities — confirm per-visit limits
- Secure tires in your vehicle — stack and tie down for safe transport
- Business disposal? Complete Parts 1 and 2 of the NC form; call facility to confirm commercial acceptance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Raleigh pick up tires curbside? No. Tires are listed under "Items Never Collected by the City." Raleigh has no curbside tire collection program. All tire disposal must go through Wake County facilities or retailers.
Is tire disposal really free for Raleigh residents? Yes. The NC Scrap Tire Disposal Act prohibits counties from charging residents a separate disposal fee. Wake County scrap tire facilities accept resident tires at no charge.
Can I bring tires on rims to the facility? No. Tires must be removed from rims. Facilities will not accept tires with rims attached.
What if I have more than 5 tires? You need to complete NC Scrap Tire Certification Form Part 1. There is no stated maximum for residents, but call ahead for very large loads to confirm the facility can handle them.
Does this apply to bicycle tires? Yes. Bicycle tires are also not collected by the city and can be disposed of at Wake County scrap tire facilities.
Can I put tires in my regular trash? No. Tires cannot go in household garbage carts or dumpsters. They must go to a scrap tire facility.
What about tractor or construction equipment tires? Oversized farm and construction tires are not accepted at standard scrap tire facilities. Off-the-road (OTR) tires under 60" may be accepted at the South Wake Shredding Facility on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am–2pm — call ahead to confirm.
Can a tire shop take my old tires? If you are buying new tires, most shops will take your old ones. Ask when you get your quote — some charge a small fee per tire.
I am a business with scrap tires — can I use the Wake County facility? Businesses can use the facilities but must complete NC Scrap Tire Certification Form Parts 1 and 2. Call ahead to confirm commercial acceptance and any fees.
Sources
- Raleigh Bulky, Special & E-Waste Collection — Official city page listing tires under "Items Never Collected by the City."
- Wake County Scrap Tire Recycling — Official county page for scrap tire disposal locations, eligibility, and requirements.
- North Wake Scrap Tire Facility — Official page for the North Wake facility (9033 Deponie Dr, Raleigh).
- NC DEQ — Scrap Tires — State agency page for NC Scrap Tire Disposal Act, certification forms, and disposal tax information.
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Facility policies, hours, and fees change. Always call the Wake County facility to verify current information before hauling tires for disposal.