3 Easy Ways to Recycle Used Tires for Cash: Earning $100 a Day?

Couldn’t auto shops just do this on their own?

When it comes to disposing of old tires through recycling facilities, an average auto shop has only two options:

1. They can transport the tires themselves

If the auto shop doesn’t charge a fee, it would operate at a loss since the fee typically covers the expenses of transporting the tires to the nearest recycling facility. These costs include time, gas, and potential charges from the facility. Because this option leaves the auto shop with no profit, it’s not something they usually prefer to handle themselves.

2. Or they can schedule a pickup

Most recycling facilities are happy to pick up tires from auto shops, but there’s often a catch: a minimum of 100 tires is required for a pickup. This means the auto shop would need adequate storage space for the tires.

While this might seem like an easy solution, it’s complicated by scrap tire storage laws and regulations in many states. These restrictions push most auto shops to dispose of tires as quickly as possible.

This is where you come in.

Your advantage lies in the limited free space available at auto shops.

Now, to make money, you have two options, each with different requirements.

1. Option One: Requires a Pickup Truck

If you already have a pickup truck, you’re halfway there.

Your job will be to pick up used tires from local auto shops (for which you will charge a per-tire fee) and deliver them to the local recycling facilities.

Start by letting local mechanics know you’re in the business. Hand out business cards and build a reputation for reliable and efficient service.

2. Option Two: Requires a Big Empty Space (Garage, Barn, Etc.)

The above option requires you to have a truck or some form of transportation that can haul a significant number of tires.

However, just because you don’t have a large vehicle doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Do you have an empty garage or any kind of empty space suitable for storage? Let me explain…

Most tire retreading centers will come and pick up your used tires if you have at least 100 tires. This is why most auto shops can’t simply call them up and schedule a pickup—they lack the space to store 100 tires.

This is where your big empty garage becomes an asset.

Use your car to pick up as many tires as you can and store them until you reach the required minimum of 100. Then call the nearest recycling facility to schedule a pickup.

How Much Money Can You Make?

Auto shops usually pay $3 for every tire you take away, and recycling facilities are known to charge a flat fee of $1 per tire.

This leaves you with $2 per tire. After accounting for gas expenses and wear and tear on your truck, you’re looking at about $1.70 or so (give or take a little) per tire.

This can be a nice side business for you.

If you want to take it to the next level, you could even turn your small tire recycling business into a full-time, six-figure operation, like this guy who makes $100 a day recycling scrap tires. He picks up old tires from gas stations and car dealers and sells them to local retreading and recycling centers.

With enough auto shops in your area, this could become a steady source of income.

Register Your Business

If you’re serious about this, it’s important to do everything the right way, starting with registering your business.

To be recognized as a professional and grow your business further, I strongly recommend registering your business. Make it official!

Registering typically costs around $50 in most states. Visit your city hall to learn more about the process.

While this might seem like a big and unnecessary step at first, it will boost your reputation. Making your business official shows customers that you’re reliable and responsible.

Tire Recycling Centers Near Me

The best way to find tire recycling centers near you that pay cash for tires is through RecycleNation.com (formerly 1800Recycling.com).

This is like a directory of all recycling facilities in the US, allowing you to locate the nearest facilities by simply entering your zip code.

Where to Check for Relevant Rules & Regulations

EPA.gov provides all the relevant technical details you need to start a recycling business in the US.

3. Bonus Option: Using Old Tires to Make Stuff to Sell

Not everyone wants to deal with storing and hauling hundreds of tires. But what if you still want to make some money from the few old tires lying around your garage?

Good news—you have another option: making things out of used tires and selling them.

Here’s an example:

Making a Tire Swing:

1. Check your old tire for possible wires sticking out. If you find any, fix them to prevent injuries. You don’t want anyone getting hurt on a swing you made.
2. Drill several small holes on the side of the tire that won’t be used for sitting.
3. Thoroughly clean the tire. Scrub off any dirt on both sides and dry it properly with a towel.
4. Find a rope strong enough to support a decent amount of weight. Ask a local store for recommendations, as this is a crucial part of your project. Measure the length you’ll need and add an extra two feet for tying secure knots.
5. Decide on the number of ropes to use: one for the traditional vertical style, or three for a horizontal setup. Tie extra-secure knots to both the tire and the branch.

You can see a much better step-by-step instruction with pictures on Instructables.com.

And a tire swing isn’t the only thing you can make. There are plenty of other creative options. Just take a look at Pinterest for more tire craft ideas.

Or better yet, since you want to make things to sell, check out Etsy to see what kinds of items other sellers are making out of old and unwanted tires. Focus on items that sell well so you can prioritize your time and effort on creations that actually generate income.

Where to Sell Your DIY Tire Creations

You can sell your artwork on sites like Etsy and even eBay.

Amazon has also launched its Handmade at Amazon service, where only handmade items are sold.

If you’re better at leaving a lasting impression in person, try your luck at a local flea market or craft fair.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re recycling old tires by delivering them to local facilities or creating artwork out of them, you’re contributing to the health of our planet—and your wallet.

If you know of any other ways to make money recycling old and used tires for cash, let us know in the comments below.