You really can earn over $100 a day recycling old tires in almost any populated section of North America," says Washington State's Bob Stevenson. "I've been doing it for years in a number of different cities as far east as Lansing, Michigan and as far north as Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. And, contrary to what you probably believe, you don't need a truck to get into this business, the work is not heavy, and there are plenty of old tires lying around just waiting for you to pick them up!"
I've gotten so many good, practical ideas from MOTHER that I now feel it only fair to tell other readers about my own part-time moneymaker. I pick up old tires for free ... and then sell almost all that I collect for anywhere from $1 to $40 each! What's more, I've been doing this since I was in high school, I've worked this little side business in a number of cities around the U.S. and Canada as I've gone to college and been transferred by the Air Force, and I believe that nearly anyone can do as well as or better than I've done with this grassroots enterprise. It's an especially good venture for a back-to-the-land husband and wife team.
The Business
Quite simply, my part-time enterprise consists of nothing but collecting castoff, used tires from gas stations and tire dealers and then selling them to retreading shops. That may sound too simple to you ... but the idea works for me, it works for hundreds of other people all over the U.S. and Canada, and I don't think you'll find it too difficult to make it work for you.
Pull out the telephone book (or books) for your town, nearest city, and/or other metropolitan centers in your area and make a list of the names and addresses printed under "Tire Retreading" in the Yellow Pages. Then call around to find out which recapping shop within easy driving distance will pay you the most for the tires you collect. I average $1 to $1.50 for every good passenger tire casing I sell and up to $40 (that's forty dollars!) or more for large truck tire casings.
While you're on the phone, ask each shop you talk to if it has any restrictions on the type or number of tires you bring in. Some retreaders, for instance, won't take steelbelted radials ... others simply aren't set up to handle some sizes of casings ... and still other recappers have a definitely limited capacity. (Still, there always seems to be at least one shop in every area that will buy all the tires you can collect. I recently asked a spokesman for one of these companies if his firm would be interested in 1,000 tires and he said, "Bring 'em right in!")
Season for Selling Tires
Late summer and early fall is the busiest time of the year for retreaders. This is the season when they begin working on their winter "snow-caps" and during ā say ā Ā August, September, and October, many shops stockpile used casings for this coming business. You may even find that some recappers will pay you a little more per tire during this period.
How to College Casings
This is the part that's easier than it sounds. There's hardly a gas station in the country, which sells tires, that doesn't have at least 10 and sometimes 50 or more old casings stacked up out back somewhere with the trash. Frequently, the owners and managers of service stations have to pay a premium to have these discarded rubber carcasses hauled away.
And that's where you come in. Just go around to the stations, garages, and tire dealers in your area and tell them you'll tote their old tires away for free. And that should be all you have to do to line up as many of the casings as you want to handle!
To date ā and I've been doing this for years ā I haven't had a single gas station owner or tire dealer refuse to let me have his old carcasses. In fact, the closest I've ever come to being turned down was once when I told a station manager what I was going to do with the casings (I always tell the truth when asked), and he said he just believed he'd haul the old tires to the retreader himself. But then, as I was leaving, he called me back and said, "On second thought, I can't be bothered. Take them on in."
So remember: You're performing a valuable service when you haul away for free the discards that service stations and tire dealers would otherwise have to spend good money to dispose of. Never, never pay for the tires you collect. There's no need to. Tens of thousands of casings are cluttering up thousands of garages all over your state right now. The people who have these carcasses are anxious to get rid of them. In the few cases when I've been asked if I intended to buy the discards I wanted to haul away, I've always said "no" ... and I've ended up being given the old tires anyway.
What to Look for
As a matter of fact, if anyone nixes your picking up a particular assortment of runout tires from a service station ... it'll probably be you. The government has recently tightened its safety standards for recaps and, if you're smart, you won't want to waste your time collecting and hauling casings that retread shops can't use. Basically, there are four things you should keep an eye peeled for as you inspect a garage's discards:
- A tire's bead (the part that mounts directly on a wheel's rim) must have no cuts, tears, or excessive wear.
- There can be no holes in the casing ... not even a small puncture that has been repaired with patches or rubber plugs.
- There must be no tire cords (the string-like threads or bands embedded in the rubber) showing.
- Small surface cracks are usually OK, but there can be no deep cracks in a carcass's sidewalls.Ā
These may sound like fairly high standards for a castoff tire, but you'll probably find that most of the discards you inspect will measure up (after all, they were providing satisfactory service right up until the time they were replaced). If you're in any way unsure of your ability to spot a good, retreadable casing ... just drop by the recapping shop you'll be working with and have one of the inspectors there give you a quick lesson in what to look for.
Tote Those Tires
Obviously, the more tires you haul to your retreader at once, the less trips you'll have to make. This cuts down on gas, oil, and other overhead costs ... drastically shaves the amount of time it takes to move casings from your sources to the recapper ... and, in general, increases the profitability of your operation.
There's no need, though, to plunge into this business by rushing out and buying the biggest truck with the biggest built-up bed you can find. You can quite adequately test the potential of a tire salvaging enterprise with just about any vehicle that will carry five or more old carcasses.
When I started all I had was a station wagon and, by tying a few casings on its roof rack, I could load it with ā at most ā 15 or 20 discards. Later ā after we'd sold the wagon ā we rented a trailer for about $6 a day, pulled it around with a Volkswagen, and just collected tires on Saturdays. And still later, we bought an old 1954 half-ton truck for $250, built an extended rack on its bed, and found the homebrewed rig to be just right for our part-time operation. We've never deemed it necessary to go to the built-up two-ton and even bigger trucks that some full-time casing recyclers use.
Collect Your Money
Now all you have to do is take your tires to the retreader and collect your money. If the shop isn't too busy and you don't have too many of the casings, an inspector will often check over the carcasses while you wait. Frequently, though, you'll be issued a receipt and told to drop by or phone later to find out how many of the tires were accepted.
Don't be too discouraged with the results of the first few loads you haul in. In spite of how well you think you've inspected the casings, it's a good bet that a fourth to a third of them will be rejected. Relax. As you gain experience, you'll be able to reduce your percentage of dis cards until virtually every carcass you deliver will be a "good one."
Some capping shops will pay you directly in cash, others will issue an immediate check, and still others (usually the ones that are a branch of a bigger operation) will mail your check to you (sometimes from another office).
An important tip: Keep track of your expenses. Although your income is taxable, you can deduct all the gas, oil, etc., bills that you run up while scouting out, collecting, and hauling the tires you handle. Keep a record of the miles you drive as well as any receipts that might be helpful at tax time.
Additional Tips and Hints
- You'll find you can pack more tires into your truck or trailer if you "herringbone" stack them as shown in one of the illustrations that accompany this article.
- Tell your retread shop you don't want any of the casings back that aren't accepted. This'll save you the expense of hauling them to the dump.
- You can always collect a few of the carcasses on your way home from work, while running an errand to the store, etc. You don't have to make a special trip to get them.
- If you live far out in the country or a long way from your recapping shop, it may well be worth your while to go into town once a week or so and spend the whole day on your tire recycling operation.
- Once you really get into the swing of this business, you can even set up your own regular collection route. Just make arrangements with a number of service stations to pick up their old casings every week or two (plan your schedule, of course, so that it's most convenient for everyone involved).
- If you have the storage space, you'll probably be dollars ahead in the long run if you stockpile the discards you collect through the spring and summer ... and then sell them all in the fall, when demand for the casings is highest.
- Whenever you've collected enough old tires to make it worthwhile, you may be able to talk a retreader into sending a truck to your place to pick up a whole load of the carcasses at his expense.
- You'll be amazed at how good some of the discarded tires you handle will be ... many are hardly worn at all and still have thousands of miles of service left in them. There's nothing wrong with carefully inspecting some of them, saving them out, and using them on your own vehicles. Then, when they really are worn out, you can sell them to your recapped.
In Closing ...
I've been collecting old tires from service stations and recycling them to retreading shops for a long time now and I keep on doing it because I've never found ā for me, at least ā an easier or a better way to make good money on a part-time basis.
I like the idea of being able to work this little enterprise on an "any time and for as long as I want" basis. I also like the fact that I can net $100 a day or more nearly any time I choose to operate my part-time business. (That's based on collecting only 100 recappable tires in a day ... and, believe it or not, my brother and I once picked up over 360 good casings in just somewhat more than two hours! Once you're organized, you should find 100 a day a snap.)
And, finally, I like the fact that I can work my little entrepreneurial venture by myself any time I want ... or, if I feel like it, with someone else. As I've just mentioned, I've operated the business with my brother at some times and, at others, with my wife. And, as I stated at the beginning of this article, I feel that this is an especially good little moneymaker for a back-to-the-land husband and wife team.
And that pretty well describes my lady and me right now. We've set our goal (a move to the country) and our tire recycling business is helping us realize it. And, maybe, that's the part I like best of all about our mini-enterprise: We're building a better life for ourselves by solving a "pollution" problem for service stations while recycling and helping to stretch the useful life of tiresthat would otherwise be burned or thrown in the dump. We feel good about every aspect of our business.
But What Do You Do With Casings That Can't Be Recapped?
Years ago, a Kansas wheat farmer named L.F. Schumacher began to draw big royalties from the gas and oil leases he sold on his land. And with some of that money, he set up an office in Meade, Kansas. And in front of tht office, he had a cocoa mat for people to wipe their feet on.
Well sir, one night somebody stole that mat. So ole L.F. thought about that for a few days and then he bolted a knife to one of his tractors and he pulled an old tire around past that knife and ā slick as a whistle ā sliced the tire into two strips. And that worked so well that L.F. experimented some more and, within a few months, he'd applied for a patent on a machine that nearly anybody could use to slice old tires into long strips and then assemble those strips into floor mats.
One thing led to another after that, as always happen when somone comes up with a really worthwhile new idea, and Schuhmacher moved to Chicago and set up a firm called S.& S. Patents, Inc. And, according to some 1968 letters that L.F. wrote to one of MOTHER's editors, more than 1,700 little shops had been set up at that time to use S. & S. equipment to turn old worn-out tires into shop, atheletic, and horse trailer mats. A great many of these little enterprises were netting $5,000 to $6,000 a month for private operators. And the rest of the recycling mini-factories were providing useful jobs for the disadvantaged at sheltered workshops, missions, halfway houses, and other such public service institutions.
We had fond hopes of giving a big, fat, free plug to S. & S. Patents, Inc., in this space because we like the idea of recycling even unrecappable tires into useful items (especially if there's the chance that MOTHER's readers might be able to get in on the action and have yet another shot at setting up even more little businesses that might finance even more moves to the self-reliant way of life).
But, for the past three or four years, we simply haven't been able to track S. & S. Patents, Inc., down anywhere. The company doesn't seem to be at its old Chicago address, its old phone number has been given to a private family, and ā in general ā S. & S. seems to have evaporated without a trace. We're guessing that L.F. finally passed away and his company was either liquidated or sold to someone else (and, if sold, moved to another town).
At MOTHER EARTH NEWS for 50 years and counting, we are dedicated to conserving our planet's natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. You'll find tips for slashing heating bills, growing fresh, natural produce at home, and more. That's why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of MOTHER EARTH NEWS for only $12.95 (USA only). 
I have 20-30 rig tires. How can I get rid of them?
Hello, I have about 20-30 rig tires in homestead, florida. How can I get them removed?
We got a lot of tires we need to get rid of we don't have the money for the dump to get rid of i wish there was a place that will take them for free
We got tires to get rid of and we dont have the money to take them to the dump and they cost to much i wish some one knew who would take them for free
We bought land in upstate NY and have about 2,000 tires. Would love to get rid of them. Teddsusan@yahoo.com
We bought land in upstate NY and have about 2,000 tires we are trying to get rid of. Please e-mail me at Teddsusan@yahoo.com if anyone is interested or knows how I can get rid of them.
I provide baled tires. Unlimited supply for sale. FOB prices, eastern ports. I can be reached at cricketnewyork@gmail.com.
If anyone interested in baled tires. YOu can reached me at cricketnewyork@gmail.com. I sell baled tires can give FOB prices.
We have 100+ scrap LT and car tires to dispose of in Brooklyn, NY. Please contact us with schedule of fees at info@quickfixmobiletires.com
Hi. We have 100+ scrap car and light truck tires to dispose of in Brooklyn, NY. Will pay a reasonable disposal fee for pickup. Please contact us at info@quickfixmobiletires.com thank you.
Hello we provide a nationwide pickup service of tire casings preferably not mounted, but will still pickup with a few casings mounted. email anytime prlogistics.travel@gmail.com. when emailing please include the various sizes and quantity if possible thanks.
Hello we provide a nationwide pickup service of tire casings preferably not mounted, but will still pickup with a few casings mounted. email anytime prlogistics.travel@gmail.com. when emailing please include the various sizes and quantity if possible thanks.
HI. WE HAVE APPROX 30 tires of various sizes, cars, trucks larger truck that need to be REMOVED from our lot in GAITHERSBURG, MD. Willing to pay a reasonable fee. (301) 469-8773 or operations@sfmsllc.net
Hi. We have about 30 used car/truck tires that need to be removed from our lot located in Gaithersburg, MD. Please contact us for pickup. Will pay a reasonable fee for pickup. (301) 469-8773 or email operations@sfmsllc.net
HI WE HAVE APPROX 100 tires of various sizes, cars, trucks larger truck sum still good, other are scrap, w/ and w/out rims WANNA HELP ME GET RID OF THEM WE MAKE A LIL EXTRA CASH willing to pay a reasonable free. located in Ellington CT email: jacquesn@cox.net or call 860-508-0785
Hi i have approx 100 used car and truck tires of various sizes, sum still good, sum w/ rims, i would like to have them picked up in Ellington CT ASAP, willing to pay a reasonable fee. email me at jacquesn@cox.net or call 860-508-0785
Hi I have approx 100 used car and truck tires of various sizes sum still good sum w/ rims sum w out i would like picked up in Ellington CT
I am Julie from China Huayin company , we are supplier of tire and plastic recycling to oil machine , if anyone interest , please email me : julie@huayinenergy.com MP : 008618703824539
I'm in Harrison Mi my husband recently passed there are about 50 old tires I'd gladly give if someone would pick them up HELP
I'm in Harrison Mi my husband recently passed there are about 50 old tires I'd gladly give if someone would pick them up HELP
I'm in Harrison Mi my husband recently passed there are about 50 old tires I'd gladly give if someone would pick them up HELP
GOT ALOT OF TIRES !!! WANNA HELP ME GET RID OF THEM WE BOTH MAKE A LIL EXTRA CASH... I live in southern Alabama n I have a lot of tires to get rid of!!! I'm interested in finding someone that wants to come once or twice a month and pick up a semi load or two or more. I figure if someone can make a dollar or more on these tires I will only charge .50 a tire so we both make money.. we can always talk privately on that.. EMAIL Is rebeccablew@gmail.com
I live in Superior AZ and I have a ton of tires to get rid of. I will let them go free if anyone is interested. Just E-mail me at ilaferguson@hotmail.com.
Linh I am in Knoxville Tennessee. I know it is not Texas but we can provide you with alot of scrap tires. If you are interested please contact me at 865-851-8090. Thanks Michelle
I want to pick up scrap tires in bales from Texas to ship to Vietnam. Where can I pick up it ? Please help me ?
I have old tires that i need to get rid of. I live in Houston, Texas 77029 If anyone can help me please contact me
I have old tires that i need to get rid of. I live in Houston, Texas 77029 If anyone can help me please contact me
and also the recycled tire rubber powder Pulverizer qiliping@vip.163.com
We can offer: old tire baler, tire recycle to granules machine line tire cutter tire debeader etc with competives prices. If have any interests, feel free to contact me qiliping@vip.163.com
Hay Dan, I live here in Chicago. How many tires would you like to dispose and how can contact you? You can email me at anthonyeluwa@hotmail.com Thanks Tony
hi my name is Dan Remillard and im looking to get rid of a bunch of car tires for free. please help
I pick up junk/used tires. I do not take any low pro tires. They have to be 11 R22.5 11 R24.5 and the single axle tires. If u have any of these that u would like to get rid of please email me. And i will get back to u as soon as i can. Just tell me in email what state ur in and a number to call u. thanks
hi.i have a use tire export company when i buy a container of tires 20% of the tires side walls an thread are good i have to pay a lote of morney for evry time i dispose my tire throw the county which is the way we all know.i will like to know a retreade company or a company that can pickup my tire for free contact me on my email address at contehalusine@ymail.com .
I would like to know a place near Geneva, Ohio that would take my tires for free. Any takers. Thanks
This article was written in 1977!!! Anyone reading this in 2013-14 or more should do additional research before trying to earn money this way. Since then, many shops already have a recycler visiting them. ALAS, too late.
I live in alabama and i was wondering if anybody could tell me were i can take my old tires and get money for them.
Thank you so much for the info; and your right, I have had my eyes opened to the reality of tire disposal and all the restrictions. I want to further investigate why my company is buying tires without the supplier not charging them a disposal fee and my company not taking advantage of the very thing they may already be paying for. Thats the illion dollar question. i'm under the thought that when you purchase tires from a supplier, they automatically charge you a disposal fee thats tied up in the cost of the new ones. Everywhere else a private citizen goes to purchase tires theres always a fee charged for disposal. Could be different with a large company but why would there be ? Again, thank you.
Since you are in Texas, Aaron, you probably already know about the tough laws regarding the handling of used tires. I tried it back in 1991-1992 shortly after these laws had been passed. I can assure you that anyone who attempts to repurpose tires in Texas is in for a real education on what can be done and what can't. The laws are very specific and the "little guy" is not going to be able to participate due to the cost involved to be compliant and the even bigger cost to not be. This is why, Aaron, that no one is going to take your tires free of charge. If they do, they're probably trying to fly under the state radar. Don't take the chance. I found out the hard way what happens when you do. Please don't ask me to be specific. A warning to whoever reads these articles from past Mothers: No matter where you are, the laws and regulations concerning whatever enterprise you are considering have likely changed and considerably so. Check all the local ordinances and state laws before you begin doing anything.
I'm currently in search of anyone or company that will take our used tires free of charge. This is a business that utilizes several vehicle types such as Cushman Scooter Tires, Pick-up Truck Tires, Tractor trailer tires and some are also foamed filled tires. This business is located in the Dallas,Texas location. For information please e-mail.
I am in South Africa in Eastern Cape in Mount Frere, I have more then 800 tons of waste tires and I can get more for you this collection of waste was made in a month time. I am looking for a long term deal pls don't waste time let's us make good deal.
WOW!! This really seems like a really good niche' to get into. I was just looking for information on if you could make money on recycling tires on behalf of my husband; but, I didn't realize the advantages of making and creating things out of used tires. I want in and I want to learn more about products to be reproduced using worn out tires. I know this will not take off right of way, because it will take money to make money. I just need to keep researching and figuring what products could I invent or reinvent. Let me know what you know and maybe when the time is right I would like to invest in enviromental saving product. Thanks for all the information posted it was very informative and more than helpful. Hope to hear from you soon.
Hello there- Yes there is a company that still makes the equipment for making mats out of tires. We purchased our set 4 years ago and have made alot of mats since then. The related article about Ken Winans is about his company, started in the "70's, which is still making them today. The company is now called Winans & Sadecki Inc. out of Hallstead, PA.. You are welcome to contact me for more information if you prefer. Our family company, ReTIREd Mats, has enjoyed making these mats as a family. We started out by helping an older gentleman with making the same type of mats. He had been making these mats for over 15 years at that time. We started our own mat making business upon moving to Colorado, and have since moved to Ohio. These mats are very easy to make and they "sell themself" Thank You, LaDon Larson ReTIREd Mats