When overburdened with old tires, your first instinct might be to throw them on the curb or take them to your nearest landfill. Before you do that, however, it’s important to know that discarding your old tires in landfills is not only one of the biggest waste contributors in the U.S., but can also leach harmful chemicals like methane into the air and water. While recycling tires is an option, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, roughly 280 million tires are thrown away each year and only 30 million of these tires get retreaded or reused, leaving the rest of the scrap tires in stockpiles or landfills. Wondering what to do with old tires when you buy new ones for your car? Here are few of our favorite innovative ways to upcycle car tires and lessen the burden on overstressed landfills.
I’ve seen piles of old tires sitting in garages or backyards, and it’s tempting to just chuck them out. But knowing that each tire takes 50 to 80 years to break down in a landfill—and releases nasty stuff like methane while it’s at it—makes you think twice. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that tire stockpiles can also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which carry diseases like West Nile virus. That’s why I always lean toward recycling or repurposing. For instance, I once helped a friend drop off tires at a local recycling center, and it felt good to know they’d be broken down properly instead of rotting in a dump. If you’re replacing tires at a shop, ask if they’ll handle disposal—many do, and it’s often just a small fee.
The Dos and Don’ts of Reusing and Disposing of Tires
When getting rid of scrap tires, it’s important to keep environment in mind. Bear these guidelines in mind when deciding what to do with your old Goodyears and Michelins.
DO:
- Take them to a professional tire recycling center. Businesses like Discount Tire will take discarded tires and hand them off to a third-party tire recycling company. There, the tire is separated and the components are individually recycled or repurposed, minimizing much of the waste and pollution. While recycling old tires might involve a fee, it’s important to know that tires are extremely difficult to properly recycle yourself. These professional recycling companies ensure that they are recycled safely and in accordance with local laws and regulations.
- Repurpose old tires. Get creative! There are numerous ways to repurpose old tires by turning them into stools, planters, and more.
DON’T:
- Dump old tires into a body of water. Piles of tires in water can pose a serious threat to marine life and our ecosystem.
- Burn old tires. Burning old tires releases toxic chemicals like sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and more that can pose serious health risks and pollute the air.
- Toss tires in a landfill. It takes approximately 50 to 80 years for one car tire to decompose completely in a landfill. What’s more, the non-biodegradable nature of rubber will eventually release harmful chemicals into the air and contaminate soil and water quality.
- Use tires as veggie planters. While reusing old tires is better than improperly discarding them, avoid using tires as planters for food you’ll eat. Old tires release harmful chemicals that can leach into the soil and pose serious health risks.
Recycling tires isn’t just about being eco-friendly—it’s also about safety. I learned the hard way that burning tires, even in a controlled setting, is a terrible idea; the smoke is thick and toxic, and it lingers for ages. If you’re set on recycling, check your local regulations, as some areas have specific rules about tire disposal. For example, the Rubber Manufacturers Association reports that over 80% of scrap tires in the U.S. are now diverted from landfills for recycling or energy recovery, a big improvement from decades ago. If you’re unsure where to start, call your local waste management office—they usually point you to nearby facilities. For repurposing, I’ve seen folks turn tires into everything from garden borders to playground equipment, but always clean them thoroughly first to avoid any lingering chemicals.
Clever Ways to Upcycle Old Tires
Tires are bulky, and loading a set into the car to bring to a recycling center is no walk in the park. Putting them to good use around your property means not having to schlep them across town—and after all, how often do free, durable, large containers come along? Without modifying them at all, used tires can corral sports balls in the garage, or stand in as makeshift sawhorses for painting baseboard trim. If you put a little work into jazzing old tires up, though, their uses increase exponentially.
Upcycling tires is one of those projects where you can get creative without breaking the bank. The key is to think about durability—tires are built to last, so they’re perfect for outdoor projects. I’ve noticed that cleaning them thoroughly (a pressure washer works wonders) makes a huge difference in how they look and smell. Plus, according to a 2023 study by the Tire Industry Association, repurposing tires can reduce landfill waste by up to 10% in some communities, so you’re doing the planet a favor. If you’re handy with tools, you can cut or paint tires to fit your style, but even simple projects like stacking them for a garden border can look surprisingly sharp.
1. Tire Stools
Old tires are notorious recycling nightmares, but you can make them swoon-worthy by converting them into fabric-covered stools. The addition of legs transforms rubber tires into the ultimate durable outdoor seating.
I made a tire stool last summer, and it’s still holding up great on my patio. You just need some sturdy fabric, a bit of foam for cushioning, and wooden legs from a hardware store. It’s a weekend project that costs maybe $20-$30, depending on materials. The trick is to secure the fabric tightly so it doesn’t sag—use a staple gun for best results. These stools are tough enough to handle rain and sun, and they add a quirky vibe to any outdoor space.
2. Tire Seesaw
Don’t forget the kids! This old tire was halved, fitted with a length of wood, and then painted and decorated to serve as a playful outdoor rocking toy for young tots. Remember, if you decide to make one, you’ll have two—so be sure to plan ahead by picking up enough wood and paint.
A friend of mine built a tire seesaw for his kids, and it’s a hit at every playdate. Cutting the tire in half is the toughest part—use a heavy-duty utility knife and go slow to avoid slipping. The wood needs to be sturdy, like a treated 2×6, to handle the weight. Paint it with bright, non-toxic colors to make it pop. It’s a low-cost project, usually under $50, and keeps the kids entertained for hours.
3. Tire Planters
Colorful, useful, and fun, these tire planters form the foundation for a delightful container garden. Devise an appealing arrangement that suits the area you want to fill, fill the tires with gravel or bark and add plants! If you like, you can even spray-paint old tires in the colors of your choice. For added interest, choose tires of different sizes and treads. Note: As tires break down over time, they release toxic substances that can contaminate the soil and pose a risk to the well-being of your plants. As such, we do not recommend planting edible plants in tire “beds”—to be on the safe side, you may even opt for artificial plants.
I’ve got a couple of tire planters in my backyard, and they’re a great way to add color without spending much. Spray paint is key—bright reds or blues make them look intentional, not like junk. Use a liner, like landscape fabric, to keep soil from direct contact with the tire’s inner surface, which helps reduce chemical leaching. A single tire planter can be done for under $15, including paint and gravel. Stick to decorative plants like marigolds or succulents, as the EPA warns that tire-derived chemicals can affect soil pH over time, which isn’t great for veggies.
4. Ottoman
This DIY ottoman looks so inviting and cozy, it’s hard to believe that a tire is beneath it all! All it takes to make is an old inner tube and some sisal rope to wrap around it. The ottoman’s durability makes it a great seat both indoors and out.
Wrapping a tire with sisal rope is easier than it sounds—I tried it and finished in an afternoon. The rope costs about $10-$15 for enough to cover a standard tire, and you can glue it in place with a hot glue gun. It’s sturdy enough to use as a footrest or extra seating, and it looks way fancier than you’d expect. Just make sure the tire is spotless before you start, or the rope won’t stick as well.
5. Pet Bed
If you’ve got an old tire lying around and a furry friend in need of a new bed, you’re in luck. Clean the tire thoroughly and add a thick cushion or blanket inside to create a new place to get some shut-eye for your pet. You can even paint it with a fun, pet-safe paint like this DIYer for a stylish touch.
My dog loves his tire bed—it’s like he claimed it the second I set it up. I used an old cushion from a thrift store ($5!) and painted the tire with non-toxic spray paint. Clean the tire with soap and water first, as any leftover grease can bother sensitive pets. It’s a cheap project—under $20—and pets don’t care if it’s not perfect, as long as it’s comfy.
6. Outdoor Swing
Transform an old tire into a fun outdoor swing with ease. Simply clean the tire, and secure it to a sturdy tree branch with heavy-duty rope.
Tire swings are classic for a reason—kids and adults both love them. I helped set one up at a family picnic, and it was the star of the day. Use a strong rope rated for at least 500 pounds, and check the tree branch for stability. The whole setup can cost as little as $10 for rope if you’ve got the tire. Just inspect the tire regularly for wear, as UV exposure can weaken rubber over time.
7. Tire Staircase
One of the most popular ideas for old tires is to form a convenient and inexpensive outdoor staircase. If you’ve got an elevated portion of land in the backyard, arrange a few tires in a stair-like pattern and fill them with soil or rocks for added stability.
I saw a tire staircase at a community garden, and it was such a clever fix for a steep slope. You’ll need about 3-5 tires per step, depending on the height, and fill them with compacted dirt or gravel. It’s labor-intensive but costs next to nothing if you’ve got the tires. The Natural Resources Conservation Service suggests anchoring them with rebar for extra stability, especially in rainy areas where soil can shift.
8. Exercise Equipment
Create DIY workout equipment with old tires! Large tires are especially useful to flip as they’re extremely heavy and make for great exercise. Remember to bend with your hips and knees and not your back!
Flipping tires is no joke—I tried it at a gym and was sore for days! A large tractor tire can weigh 100-400 pounds, making it perfect for strength training. You can often get them free from farms or tire shops. Just make sure the ground is flat to avoid injury, and maybe start with a smaller tire if you’re new to it. It’s a zero-cost way to build muscle at home.
9. Umbrella Stand
If you’ve got an old tire lying around, you can DIY a patio umbrella stand by setting a PVC pipe (into which the umbrella is inserted) in some quick-set concrete.
I made an umbrella stand like this for my deck, and it’s rock-solid even in windy weather. The concrete and PVC pipe cost about $15 total, and the tire keeps it from tipping over. Mix the concrete right inside the tire for easy cleanup. It’s a practical project that looks way better than those flimsy store-bought stands.
10. Christmas Tree Stand
Repurpose an old tire as a chic and sturdy Christmas tree stand. Clean it thoroughly before bringing it indoors and paint it in the color of your choice. This DIYer went with a fun color to match the tree decor. Fill the tire with fake snow (available at most craft stores) and now you have a charming Christmas tree stand.
I love how quirky a tire Christmas tree stand looks—it’s a conversation starter! I used metallic silver paint to make mine festive, and the fake snow hides the tire’s origins. The whole project cost me under $10, and it’s sturdy enough for a 7-foot tree. Just double-check that the tire is clean to avoid tracking rubber bits indoors.
11. DIY Garden Pond
Easily transform your backyard into a charming oasis with this DIY garden tire pond. Dig a hole large enough to fit your tire inside and line the bottom with sand. Cut the upper part of the tire off to create the pond, line it with a cloth, and fill it with water. You can even add large stones around it, as seen here.
A tire pond is a surprisingly elegant touch for a backyard. I helped a neighbor set one up, and we spent maybe $20 on a pond liner and some decorative stones. Cutting the tire takes effort—use a reciprocating saw if you have one. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends using non-toxic liners to keep water safe for plants or fish, so don’t skip that step.
12. Trash Bin
One of the simplest ways to use old tires, this DIY trash bin makes an easy and practical solution for disposing of waste. Simply stack two to three tires on top of one another and line the stack with a heavy-duty trash bag.
I’ve seen tire trash bins at outdoor events, and they’re genius for keeping things tidy. Stack the tires, add a trash bag, and you’re done—maybe $5 for the bag if you don’t have one. Paint them to match your space if you want a cleaner look. They’re heavy enough to stay put in wind, which is a big plus over plastic bins that tip over easily.