Item: Passenger car tires (rims removed) Jurisdiction: Austin city limits / Travis County, Texas Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Austin residents have two routes for tire disposal. Schedule on-demand bulk curbside pickup (max 8 tires, rims removed, separate pile, free with annual service) — or drop off at the Recycle and Reuse Center ($6 per tire, appointment required). Passenger car tires only — truck and tractor tires are not accepted through either city route.
The Austin Recycles app handles scheduling for both options. Call 512-974-4335 or 311 to confirm quantity limits, appointment availability, and whether your address qualifies for bulk pickup before loading tires into your vehicle.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary contact | Austin Resource Recovery — 512-974-4335 or 311 |
| Official source hub | Austin Resource Recovery |
| On-demand bulk curbside pickup | Max 8 passenger car tires, rims removed, separate pile. Free with service |
| Drop-off | Recycle and Reuse Center at 2514 Business Center Drive — $6 per tire, appointment required |
| Not accepted | Truck tires, tractor tires, or tires with rims attached |
| Appointment required | Yes, for Recycle and Reuse Center drop-off |
| Proof of residency | Likely required — confirm when scheduling |
| Business waste | Not eligible for residential bulk collection. Contractors need a licensed scrap tire transporter |
| Jurisdiction | This guide applies inside Austin city limits and Travis County residents |
| Retailer option | Many tire shops accept old tires when you buy new ones — call the specific Austin store to confirm |
Can Austin Pick Up Tires Curbside?
Yes — Austin Resource Recovery's on-demand bulk curbside collection accepts passenger car tires. Here is how it works:
- Max quantity: 8 tires per household per collection
- Rims: Must be removed. Tires with rims attached are not accepted
- Tire type: Passenger car tires only. No truck or tractor tires
- Separate pile: Tires must be in their own pile at the curb — separate from metal/rigid plastics and non-metal items
- Placement: At the curb by 5:30 a.m. on your appointment date. Keep 5 feet away from carts, mailboxes, parked cars, and other obstructions
- NOT collected in: Alleys, in front of vacant lots, or in front of businesses
- Scheduling: Use the Austin Recycles app or call 512-974-4335
- Frequency: Up to 3 on-demand bulk collections per household per year
Cost: No tire-specific fee confirmed for curbside pickup through the bulk program. It is included with your service.
Important: The city recycles all tires collected through bulk pickup. Do not put tires in your regular garbage or recycling carts.
Drop-Off and Appointment Choices
Recycle and Reuse Center (Self-Haul)
The city-run drop-off facility at 2514 Business Center Drive accepts passenger car tires for recycling. Appointment required. The fee is $6 per tire — this is confirmed in available Austin sources.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 2514 Business Center Drive, Austin |
| Appointment | Required — use Austin Recycles app or call |
| Fee | $6 per tire |
| Free for | Austin/Travis County residents (tire fee still applies) |
| Accepted | Passenger car tires, rims removed |
| Not accepted | Truck tires, tractor tires, tires with rims |
Unknowns to verify when scheduling:
- Current operating hours (not available on retrieved source pages)
- Max quantity per visit (bulk collection limit is 8 — drop-off limit may differ)
- Whether SUV or light truck tires are considered "passenger car" for acceptance
Retailer Take-Back
Many tire retailers and auto shops accept old tires — especially when you purchase new ones:
- With purchase: Often free or included in the disposal fee
- Without purchase: Some shops accept old tires for a small fee ($2–$5 per tire typically, but confirm with the specific store)
- What to ask:
- "Do you accept old tires for recycling?"
- "Is there a fee per tire?"
- "Do you accept tires without rims only?"
- "How many can I bring?"
Warning: Retailer policies change without notice and vary by store. Call the specific Austin location before driving there.
Rim Removal and Tire Size Restrictions
Rim removal is mandatory for both curbside pickup and Recycle and Reuse Center drop-off. This is stated clearly in the city's program rules.
Tire size restrictions:
- Passenger car tires: Accepted
- Truck tires: NOT accepted
- Tractor tires: NOT accepted
- SUV/light truck tires: Not specified — these may or may not be considered "passenger car." Verify with Austin Resource Recovery
If you have tires that do not qualify for city disposal, you will need a commercial scrap tire service. Search for "Texas scrap tire disposal" or contact the TCEQ scrap tire program.
Business and Bulk Quantity Rules
City tire collection serves household-generated waste only.
- Businesses, repair shops, contractors: Not eligible for on-demand bulk pickup or city residential drop-off
- Property managers with bulk tires from a multi-unit property: call 512-974-4335 to discuss options
- Licensed scrap tire transporters: Required for commercial quantities. Search for TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) scrap tire program resources
- Do not estimate costs or recommend a specific company — the reader must find a licensed provider
What to ask if you are a business or contractor:
- "Does Austin Resource Recovery offer any business tire disposal program?"
- "What are the requirements for a licensed scrap tire transporter in Texas?"
Apartment and Renter Edge Cases
If you live in an apartment or condo:
- On-demand bulk pickup may not be available if your complex uses a private waste hauler
- The bulk program serves residential curbside customers — apartments may not qualify
Your options:
- Recycle and Reuse Center drop-off — you can visit as an individual resident. Schedule an appointment, pay $6 per tire, and bring your proof of residency
- Retailer take-back — closest tire shop may accept them, especially with a new purchase
- Ask your property manager — some complexes have bulk waste procedures for items like tires
For renters without a vehicle: Tires are bulky and awkward to transport without a car. Ask a neighbour or friend with a vehicle for help, or consider having a tire shop handle disposal when you buy new tires. Do not leave tires in alleyways or common areas — they can collect water and breed mosquitoes.
How to Prepare Tires for Disposal
For curbside bulk pickup:
- Remove all rims from tires — mandatory requirement
- Stack tires in their own separate pile at the curb — do not mix with metal/rigid plastics or non-metal items
- Place at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on your scheduled appointment date
- Keep 5 feet away from garbage carts, recycling carts, mailboxes, cars, and other obstructions
- Max 8 tires per household per collection
- Do NOT bag tires — they go loose in their own pile
For drop-off at Recycle and Reuse Center:
- Remove all rims before loading
- Load tires securely in your vehicle — tires can roll and shift during transport
- Bring proof of residency — driver's license or utility bill with your Austin address
- Bring payment — $6 per tire (confirm accepted payment methods when booking)
- Schedule appointment through the Austin Recycles app or call ahead
For retailer take-back:
- Call the store first to confirm acceptance and fees
- Remove rims unless the retailer states otherwise
- Clean visible debris from tires before transport
Potential Fees and Costs
| Route | Fee Details |
|---|---|
| On-demand bulk curbside pickup | No tire-specific fee confirmed — included with service |
| Recycle and Reuse Center drop-off | $6 per tire (confirmed in Austin sources) |
| Retailer take-back (with purchase) | Often free or included in disposal fee |
| Retailer take-back (without purchase) | Varies — call specific store |
What you should ask when scheduling:
- "Is there a fee for tire collection through the bulk pickup program for my address?"
- "Is the $6 per tire fee at the Recycle and Reuse Center still current?"
- "What payment methods are accepted at the Recycle and Reuse Center?"
Official Verification Checklist
Use this when you call 512-974-4335 or schedule through the Austin Recycles app. Tick each item as you confirm it.
- Call Austin Resource Recovery — 512-974-4335 or 311
- Confirm bulk pickup eligibility for your specific address (especially if apartment)
- Verify tire quantity limits — 8 max for bulk pickup, confirm per-visit limit at drop-off
- Confirm rim removal requirement — mandatory for both routes
- Verify tire type — passenger car only. Ask if SUV/light truck tires are accepted
- Schedule on-demand bulk pickup or book appointment at Recycle and Reuse Center
- Confirm fees — is bulk pickup free for your address? $6 per tire still current at drop-off?
- Confirm operating hours for the Recycle and Reuse Center
- Confirm proof of residency required
- Call local tire retailers about take-back options
- Ask about business disposal if you are a contractor or property manager
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put tires in my regular garbage cart? No. Tires are not accepted in regular trash or recycling carts. They must go through the bulk collection program, Recycle and Reuse Center drop-off, or a retailer take-back program.
Does Austin accept tires with rims? No. Rims must be removed for both curbside pickup and drop-off at the Recycle and Reuse Center.
Can I dispose of truck tires in Austin? No — truck and tractor tires are not accepted through Austin's residential bulk program or at the Recycle and Reuse Center. You will need a commercial scrap tire service.
How many tires can I drop off at the Recycle and Reuse Center? The bulk curbside limit is 8 tires. The per-visit limit at the drop-off center is not specified on source pages — ask when scheduling your appointment.
Does Austin charge for tire disposal through bulk pickup? No tire-specific fee is mentioned for the on-demand bulk curbside program. The $6 per tire fee applies only at the Recycle and Reuse Center drop-off.
What about tires from a bicycle or motorcycle? Bicycle tires are typically smaller and may be handled differently. Motorcycle tires may be accepted as passenger vehicle tires — call to confirm.
Can I leave tires at a tire shop without buying new ones? Some shops accept old tires for a small fee, but policies vary. Call the specific Austin retailer before bringing tires in.
Sources
- Austin Resource Recovery — City of Austin — Official municipal hub for all waste and recycling services
- On-demand Bulk Collection Program — Official program page with bulk pickup rules, tire limits, and rim requirements
- Recycle and Reuse Center — Official facility page with $6 per tire fee information
- Austin Resource Recovery — 512-974-4335 — Primary contact for scheduling, fees, and eligibility questions
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Fees, policies, and pickup rules change. Always call 512-974-4335 or check the Austin Recycles app to verify current requirements before disposing of tires.