Where to Dispose of Old Tyres in Australia, State by State
Around 537,000 tonnes of tyres reach the end of their life in Australia each year, and roughly a fifth of old passenger tyres are still dumped, buried, stockpiled or sent to landfill. Doing it properly is simple and cheap. This hub explains your options and how the rules differ by state — then points to how tyres are recycled and the stewardship scheme behind it.
What are your options for getting rid of old tyres?
For a household with four old tyres, there are three realistic paths:
- Retailer take-back (easiest): When you buy replacements, the fitter takes the old tyres and charges a small recycling/disposal fee per tyre. Choosing a Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) accredited retailer means they are committed to passing tyres only to accredited collectors and recyclers — so you know they are not dumped. You can find accredited businesses through Tyre Stewardship Australia.
- Council waste and transfer stations: Most councils accept car tyres at their transfer stations or tips, usually for a per-tyre fee. Rules and fees vary by council, and some cap how many you can drop at once — call ahead.
- Accredited recyclers and collectors: For larger numbers (a shed clean-out, a small business), find a recycler through a TSA or Planet Ark directory. Call first to confirm they take your type and quantity.
Car and bike tyres should never go in your kerbside bin.
Why is there a disposal fee on every tyre?
That line on your invoice is the cost of collecting, transporting and processing the old tyre so it does not end up dumped. It is not a government tax; it is the genuine cost of responsible recycling, and it is separate from the voluntary 25-cent-per-tyre levy importers pay into the stewardship scheme. See what the tyre disposal levy is and why you are charged it.
How do the rules differ state by state?
For an individual dropping off a handful of tyres, the practical experience is similar everywhere: use a retailer or a council facility and pay a small fee. The bigger legal differences apply to storing tyres in quantity, because stockpiles are a serious fire and environmental risk. The table below is a general guide for 2026 — always confirm current rules and fees with your state EPA and local council.
| State/Territory | Everyday disposal | Notes on rules |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Retailer take-back or council transfer station (per-tyre fee) | NSW EPA regulates tyre storage and prosecutes illegal stockpiling and dumping. |
| VIC | Retailer take-back or council transfer station | EPA Victoria requires a registration or licence to store waste tyres above small thresholds (see below). |
| QLD | Retailer take-back or council facility | Queensland has an end-of-life tyre management policy; storage limits apply to businesses. |
| WA | Retailer take-back or council facility | Waste tyre storage above thresholds requires a licence; remote-area options are limited. |
| SA | Retailer take-back or council depot | Green Industries SA and the EPA oversee tyre recycling and storage. |
| TAS / NT / ACT | Retailer take-back or council facility | Fewer local recyclers; tyres are often transported interstate for processing. |
When does storing tyres need a permit?
This matters for workshops, farms and anyone tempted to hoard tyres for a project. Victoria is a clear example: under EPA Victoria, storing more than about 5 cubic metres (roughly a small skip) of waste tyres needs a registration, and more than 40 tonnes or 5,000 equivalent passenger units needs a licence, with strict fire-safety conditions (see EPA Victoria’s waste tyre rules). Other states have their own thresholds. If you are keeping more than a handful of tyres, check your state EPA first.
What are the penalties for dumping tyres? (general information)
Illegally dumping or stockpiling tyres is an environmental offence in every Australian state, and enforcement is active — state EPAs have issued fines ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars for illegal tyre storage and dumping, and some states are moving to increase penalties further. Tyres are highly flammable, and a tyre fire is extremely hard to extinguish and releases toxic smoke. This is general information, not legal advice — penalties and thresholds vary by state and change over time, so confirm the current position with your state EPA.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to dispose of a car tyre?
As a guide in 2026, expect a few dollars per tyre as a recycling fee at a retailer, or a per-tyre charge at a council transfer station. Fees vary by location — confirm with the retailer or council.
Can I put old tyres in my council bin?
No. Tyres are not accepted in kerbside rubbish or recycling bins anywhere in Australia. Use a retailer or transfer station.
What do I do with one old spare I found in the shed?
Drop it at a tyre retailer or council transfer station, or check a recycling directory for an accredited collector. Call ahead, as some charge per tyre or limit quantities. If it is still usable, check its age first using the DOT date code and review when to replace tyres; if you are keeping spares, see how to store spare tyres and wheels.
Is it legal to burn or bury old tyres on my own property?
No. Burning or burying tyres is prohibited and carries significant penalties. It also contaminates soil and air.
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