Columbus Tires Disposal Guide 2026 — City Rules, Drop-Off & Pickup Options

Item: Passenger and truck tires (with or without rims) Jurisdiction: Columbus city limits, Franklin County, Ohio Official source: City of Columbus Bulk Collection + SWACO Franklin County Sanitary Landfill Last updated: July 2026

Quick Answer

The City of Columbus does NOT accept tires in curbside bulk pickup, at Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers, or through any city-operated tire program. If you have old tires, your main options are: (1) take them to the SWACO Franklin County Sanitary Landfill — passenger tires $5 each, heavy truck tires $50 each, but only if mixed with other solid waste (dedicated tire loads are not accepted); (2) contact a licensed private waste hauler; or (3) use a tire retailer take-back program when buying new tires (typically $2–5 per tire). Call 311 / 614-645-3111 for city services or SWACO at 614-871-5100 to confirm current rules before hauling.

There is no city-operated tire drop-off program in Columbus. Tires are explicitly excluded from all city waste services. Do not assume the landfill will accept a trunk full of tires without calling ahead.

Quick Facts

Can Columbus Pick Up Tires Curbside?

No. Tires are explicitly listed as unacceptable items for Columbus city bulk collection.

Columbus offers free scheduled bulk curbside pickup for many items — furniture, carpet, mattresses, non-refrigerant appliances. You schedule it through 311 by calling 614-645-3111 or visiting 311.columbus.gov. But tires and auto parts are specifically excluded from this service.

The city's Refuse Collection guide confirms this: refuse collection does not collect tires, remodeling/construction debris, car parts, pianos, or pool tables. If you schedule a bulk pickup and set tires out, they will not be collected.

If you have tires and no other options, the city directs residents to contact an authorized, licensed waste hauler. Do not put tires out with regular trash or recycling — they will not be taken and may result in citations.

Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers — Do They Accept Tires?

No. This is one of the most common misunderstandings Columbus residents run into.

The city operates two Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers:

• Alum Creek: 2100 Alum Creek Dr
• Georgesville: 1550 Georgesville Rd

Both are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM. They accept items like scrap metal, furniture, mattresses, electronics, and other bulk items — all free for Columbus residents. However, tires, auto parts, and motor oil are explicitly excluded.

If you load up your trunk with old tires and drive to a convenience center expecting free drop-off, you will be turned away. These centers serve a different purpose than tire disposal.

SWACO Franklin County Sanitary Landfill

The SWACO Franklin County Sanitary Landfill is the only known municipal-scale option for tire disposal in the Columbus area, and it comes with an important restriction.

Contact: 614-871-5100 for the current landfill address and hours.

Fees

• Passenger tires: $5 per tire
• Heavy truck tires: $50 per tire
• Minimum charge: $5

The Catch — Dedicated Load Restriction

SWACO does NOT accept dedicated loads of tires from residents. Tires must arrive accidentally included with other solid waste for the per-tire fee to apply. A trunk full of tires with no other waste may not qualify.

What counts as a "dedicated load" is not defined in available sources. If you have 4 old tires from a vehicle swap mixed with a load of household trash, that would likely qualify. If you have 20 tires from a property cleanup with nothing else, that may be considered a dedicated load and rejected.

Call SWACO at 614-871-5100 before hauling. Describe your specific situation — how many tires, whether they are mixed with other waste, whether they have rims — and confirm whether they can accept them.

Other Details to Verify with SWACO

• Do rims need to be removed?
• Do oversize or specialty tires carry higher fees?
• What is the maximum quantity of tires accepted per visit?
• What proof of residency is needed?
• Are current operating hours as expected?

Private Waste Haulers

When the city cannot help, the city directs residents to contact an authorized, licensed waste hauler.

The official city guidance suggests searching Google or the yellow pages under "Rubbish" for licensed haulers. These are private companies that handle waste disposal — including tires — for a fee.

What to ask a potential hauler:

• Are you authorized and licensed to transport waste tires in Ohio?
• Do you pick up from my address, or do I drop off?
• What is the fee per tire or per load?
• Is there a minimum quantity?
• Do you accept tires with rims?

Do not attempt to estimate costs without a quote. Fees vary by company, location, and quantity.

If you need help finding a licensed hauler, you can also ask 311 / 614-645-3111 for guidance.

Tire Retailer Take-Back Programs

Tire retailers (when you purchase new tires) typically charge a small fee to take your old ones. This is often the most convenient route when you are already buying new tires.

• Typical fee: $2–5 per old tire
• When it applies: When you purchase new tires from the same store
• May accept without purchase: Some shops accept old tires for a fee even without a new tire purchase — call to ask

There is no official directory of participating retailers on the city or county website. To find a tire shop that accepts old tires:

1. Call your preferred local tire shop
2. Ask: "Do you accept old tires for disposal? What is the fee? Do I need to buy new tires?"
3. Confirm quantity limits — some shops limit how many old tires they will take

Do not rely on national corporate policies advertised online. Store-level participation and pricing vary.

City Tire Amnesty or Collection Events

Keep Columbus Beautiful may host periodic tire collection events where residents can drop off old tires for free or at a reduced cost.

However, no official 2026 schedule is confirmed on columbus.gov as of this writing.

What to do:

• Call 311 / 614-645-3111 and ask: "Are any tire amnesty or collection events planned for 2026?"
• Check the Keep Columbus Beautiful page on columbus.gov periodically
• Do not assume an event is happening — confirm before waiting for one

Tire amnesty events are usually limited to a certain number of tires per household and are announced on a schedule that varies year to year.

Apartment and Renter Edge Cases

Apartment resident with old tires

Since tires are not accepted by city services regardless of housing type, your options are the same as any Columbus resident: SWACO landfill (if mixed with other waste), a private hauler, or a tire retailer. Check with your property manager — some complexes contract with haulers who accept bulk tires during property cleanups.

Multi-unit property manager with an inventory of tires

Property managers or landlords with multiple old tires from tenant turnover must use a licensed waste hauler. The residential SWACO option is not designed for commercial quantities. Contact a licensed Ohio waste hauler for a quote.

Renter with no vehicle

Transporting tires without a vehicle is genuinely difficult. Tires are bulky, dirty, and not suitable for ride-share or public transit. Options:

• Ask a neighbour or friend with a vehicle to help
• Ask your property manager if they can coordinate disposal
• Some tire retailers offer pickup when purchasing new tires — ask when booking your appointment

Potential Fees and Costs

Why Not to Dump Tires Illegally

Illegal tire dumping is a serious problem for a few reasons:

• Fire hazard: Tire piles burn hot and produce toxic smoke. Tire fires are extremely difficult to extinguish.
• Mosquito breeding: Standing water inside discarded tires becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including those carrying West Nile virus.
• Groundwater concerns: Over time, tires can leach chemicals into soil and groundwater.
• Fines: Illegal dumping is prohibited in Ohio and Franklin County. Fine amounts are not published on available city sources, but violations carry penalties.

If you see illegally dumped tires, report them to 311 / 614-645-3111 or the Franklin County Solid Waste Authority.

How to Prepare Tires for Disposal

1. Call SWACO (614-871-5100) first — confirm whether your tire load qualifies, especially if you have more than a few tires.
2. Remove personal items — check inside tires for debris or valuables.
3. Leave rims on or off depending on policy — ask SWACO or the hauler what they require.
4. Load tires securely in your vehicle — tires can roll during transport. Use bungee cords or tie-downs if needed.
5. Bring proof of Franklin County residency — driver's license or utility bill.
6. If using a tire retailer, call first — confirm fees, quantity limits, and whether a new tire purchase is required.

Safety

• Do not stockpile tires outside — they collect water and attract pests.
• Do not attempt to burn tires — illegal and toxic in Ohio.
• Large truck tires require specialized handling — verify pricing before hauling.

Official Verification Checklist

Use this checklist before you load tires and head out.

• Call SWACO at 614-871-5100 — ask about tire acceptance, fees, and quantity limits.
• Confirm the dedicated load restriction — ask whether your load qualifies (mixed waste vs. dedicated).
• Ask about rim removal — confirm whether rims must be removed and whether oversize tires cost more.
• Confirm hours and address — get current operating hours for SWACO or your chosen facility.
• Ask about proof of residency — what documents are needed?
• If using a private hauler, verify licensure — ask if they are authorized in Ohio.
• If using a tire retailer, call first — confirm disposal fee, quantity limit, and whether a tire purchase is required.
• Secure tires in vehicle — prevent rolling during transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Columbus offer any city-operated tire drop-off? No. There is no city-operated tire drop-off program. Tires are excluded from all city waste services.

Can I put a tire or two in my regular trash? No. Tires are not accepted in regular trash collection. They are specifically excluded from both regular and bulk services.

Can I take old tires to a convenience center if I pay? No. Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers do not accept tires under any circumstances.

What if I have just one or two old tires? One or two passenger tires mixed with other solid waste could go to SWACO at $5 each. Or ask a tire retailer — some accept old tires for a small fee without a new tire purchase.

Do I have to remove the rims? This is not confirmed from sources. Ask SWACO or the hauler whether rims must be removed.

What about tractor or equipment tires? Heavier tires fall under the $50 truck tire rate or may have separate pricing. Call SWACO to confirm.

What about motorcycle tires? Not specifically listed on available rate schedules. Ask SWACO about passenger vs. specialty tire pricing.

Can I bring tires from my business to SWACO? No. SWACO's residential rates are for household waste only. Businesses must use a licensed waste hauler.

Are there any free tire disposal days in Columbus? Keep Columbus Beautiful may host tire amnesty events, but no 2026 schedule is confirmed. Call 311 to ask.

Sources

• City of Columbus Bulk Collection Page — Official municipal hub; lists accepted and unacceptable bulk items.
• SWACO Landfill Rates — Official fee schedule for Franklin County Sanitary Landfill.
• SWACO FAQ — Tire Acceptance — Tire disposal policy and restrictions.
• City of Columbus Resident's Guide to Refuse Services PDF — Official guide confirming tires not accepted in regular or bulk collection.
• Columbus 311 — 614-645-3111 or 311.columbus.gov — Primary contact for city waste services.
• SWACO — 614-871-5100 — For landfill tire acceptance and pricing.

This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Fees, policies, and hours change. Always call ahead to verify current information before hauling tires for disposal.