Earn Money with Old Tires: Turn Junk Tires into Cash
Every year, millions of junk tires are discarded, creating serious environmental concerns. But what many people don’t realize is that those same tires can be worth money. With the rise of tire recycling and scrap tire repurposing, it’s now easier than ever to turn your old tires into a source of income.
Whether you’re cleaning out your garage or managing a tire-heavy business like an auto shop, understanding where to take old tires for money can help you earn extra cash while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Selling Old Tires for Money: How It Works
Old tires don’t have to go to waste. In fact, selling old tires for money is now a common practice, especially as recycling demand increases. Many businesses and recycling centers pay for used tires they can retread, shred for materials, or sell as used.
Common buyers include:
- Local tire recycling centers
- Used tire shops
- Scrap dealers
- Rubber product manufacturers
To get started, search for a recycling center near me or a tire recycler near me to find local businesses that accept and pay for tires.
Where to Take Old Tires for Cash
If you’re looking for where to take old tires, there are several options:
- Recycling centers: Most urban and suburban areas have facilities that buy or accept scrap tires. Some even offer pickup services if you have a large quantity.
- Tire shops: Many tire dealers will buy usable tires for resale or send them to retreaders.
- Scrap yards: Some scrap yards purchase tires along with metals and automotive parts.
Be sure to call ahead, confirm buying policies, and ask about quantity requirements.
Can You Start a Tire Recycling Business?
For those looking to scale their efforts, investing in a tire recycling machine could be a game-changer. These machines are designed to shred or granulate old tires into rubber materials used for playground surfaces, construction products, or road additives. While more common in commercial operations, small business owners are increasingly exploring these machines as a way to enter the tyre recycling business at a local level.
Though they require upfront investment, a tire recycling machine can help turn junk tires into a revenue-generating opportunity, especially when paired with reliable tire collection sources.
What Junk Tires Are Worth Money?
Not every tire qualifies for resale, but there’s a surprising market for tires that can be:
- Retreaded for further use
- Shredded into rubber mulch or paving material
- Sold as-is in the used tire market
Tires in better condition—minimal wear, no major sidewall damage—often fetch better prices. Even completely unusable tires can earn money when sold in bulk to recyclers.
Finding Tire Recycling Companies Near You
Businesses that buy used tires often list their services online under keywords like:
- “tire recycling companies”
- “tire recycling near me”
- “sell old tires for cash”
Many will publish buying criteria, pricing tiers, or volume discounts.
Final Thoughts
Your junk tires may seem like waste, but they could be worth more than you think. Whether you’re an individual looking to declutter or someone exploring how to start a tire recycling business, there are ways to turn old rubber into cash. Explore tire recycling machine options if you’re interested in scaling—and don’t forget to search for where to take old tires for money to tap into local opportunities.