South Carolinians generate an estimated 4.6 million waste tires every year or roughly 12,600 per day. If improperly managed, waste tires pose a potential risk to human health and the environment. If recycled, waste tires can be made into many products or used as an alternative fuel source.

Most waste tires generated in South Carolina are chipped and burned by permitted facilities in place of other fuels (e.g., coal). Tires also are used frequently as a substitute for gravel or other aggregates in septic tank drain fields or other drainage applications. In addition, tires can be recycled into rubberized playground surfaces, landscaping mulch, truck bed mats, commercial flooring, rubberized asphalt and other products.

Recycle Waste Tires

The S.C. Solid Waste Policy and Management Act of 1991 bans the disposal of whole waste tires in landfills. Residents have several options to recycle tires.

• Most new tire retailers accept old tires from customers and, in turn, ensure the old tires are recycled. Residents are encouraged to check with a retailer before buying tires.
• Dorchester County residents can properly dispose of car, motorcycle, and truck tires (without the rims) at the following Convenience Sites:
  • Miles Road
  • Givhans
  • Sandy Pines
  • St. George

Be careful storing tires at home

Tires collect rainwater and provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes that transmit illnesses. These piles also are a fire hazard. Tire fires - which are extremely difficult to extinguish - release toxic air pollutants and generate oil that can contaminate the ground and surface water.

Do your part - Report It!

Tire dumping and unpermitted storage of waste tires should be reported to the Dorchester County Litter Enforcement Office.