Where to Recycle Tires in Chicago: Drop-Off Locations, Fees & What Happens to Old Tires
Where to Recycle Tires in Chicago: Drop-Off Locations, Fees & What Happens to Old Tires
You can't toss old tires in your regular trash or recycling bin in Chicago. The city's waste haulers won't take them, and landfills don't accept them. But you've got several options for tire recycling, some free for residents, others with small fees depending on size and quantity.
Here's where to take old tires in Chicago, what you'll pay, and what actually happens to them after drop-off.
Free Tire Recycling for Chicago Residents
The City of Chicago hosts periodic Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF) events that accept tires from residents at no charge.
Chicago HCCRF Facility:
Address: 1150 N. North Branch Street, Chicago, IL 60642
Phone: (312) 744-3060
What's Accepted: Up to 4 passenger vehicle tires per visit (no commercial truck tires)
Prep: Tires must be off the rim — facilities won't accept tires still mounted on wheels
Hours: Saturday only, 7 AM – 12 PM (check chicago.gov for current schedule)
This is your best bet if you're a city resident with a few old tires from a passenger car or small SUV. Show proof of Chicago residency (ID with Chicago address).
Commercial Tire Recycling Facilities in the Chicago Area
If you have more than 4 tires, commercial truck tires, or need a drop-off outside city facility hours, these private recyclers accept tires for a fee:
Emanuel Tire:
Address: 4500 S. Packers Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609
Phone: (773) 247-9200
Fee: Typically $3-5 per passenger tire, $10-25 for truck tires (call for current pricing)
Notes: Accepts tires on or off rims; commercial quantities welcome
Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS):
Address: Multiple Chicagoland locations — call for nearest drop-off
Phone: (773) 685-8811
Fee: Varies by location and tire type
Notes: Accepts bulk quantities; may offer pickup for large loads
Liberty Tire Recycling (Mokena facility):
Address: 19990 S. LaGrange Road, Mokena, IL 60448
Phone: (708) 479-7474
Fee: $2-4 per passenger tire
Notes: About 45 minutes from downtown Chicago; accepts high volumes
Most facilities charge more for:
Tires still on rims (+$2-5 per tire)
Truck or tractor tires (larger = higher fee)
Tires with excessive dirt or debris
What Happens to Recycled Tires?
Tires don't go to a landfill — they get processed into new materials:
Tire-derived fuel (TDF): Shredded tires burn hotter than coal and are used in cement kilns and power plants
Crumb rubber: Ground-up tire rubber becomes playground surfaces, rubberized asphalt, athletic tracks, and gym flooring
Civil engineering projects: Whole or shredded tires are used as lightweight fill for road embankments and erosion control
Rubber mulch: Landscaping material for playgrounds and gardens
New tire manufacturing: Some facilities extract steel wire and reprocess rubber into new products
The recent expansion in tire pyrolysis technology (breaking down tires into oil, gas, and carbon black) is creating new markets for old tires — facilities like the one Niutech just announced can process 100,000 tons of tires annually into reusable materials.
What You Can't Do with Old Tires in Chicago
Don't try these — they're illegal or won't work:
Curbside trash/recycling: City haulers and private waste companies won't take tires
Alley dumping: Illegal dumping carries fines up to $1,500
Burning: Tire fires release toxic chemicals and are prohibited in Cook County
Landfills: Illinois landfills are banned from accepting whole tires
Tire Shops That Recycle When You Buy New Tires
Most tire retailers in Chicago will recycle your old tires when you purchase new ones. Expect a disposal fee of $2-5 per tire added to your invoice. This is often the easiest option if you're replacing worn tires anyway.
Major chains with Chicago locations that handle tire recycling:
Discount Tire
Costco Tire Center
Pep Boys
Firestone Complete Auto Care
Belle Tire
Ask about the disposal fee when you get a quote — it's not always included in advertised prices.
Tire Recycling for Chicago Businesses
If you operate a business that generates tire waste (auto shops, fleet services, landscaping companies), you'll need a commercial tire recycling contract.
What to expect:
Scheduled pickups or drop-off accounts
Per-tire fees or monthly service contracts
Documentation for environmental compliance reporting
Lower per-tire costs for high volumes
Commercial tire recyclers serving Chicago include Liberty Tire, Emanuel Tire, and regional haulers. Get quotes from at least two providers — pricing varies significantly based on volume and pickup frequency.
How to Prep Tires for Recycling
Before you drop off tires:
Remove from rims if possible — you'll pay less at most facilities
Clean off excessive mud or debris — some facilities reject extremely dirty tires
Separate by type — passenger car vs. truck vs. specialty tires
Count them — know your quantity before you arrive
Bring cash — smaller recyclers may not accept cards
Leave valve stems attached — recyclers remove them during processing.
Need Help with Bulk Tire Disposal or Commercial Recycling?
If you're a Chicago business dealing with tire waste, construction debris, or need regular recycling services, GreenWay Recycles can help you set up compliant disposal solutions.
Call us at (773) 522-0025 to discuss commercial tire recycling, bulk waste management, or ongoing recycling services for your business.
We work with Chicago-area companies to create cost-effective recycling programs that keep materials out of landfills and meet Illinois environmental regulations.