Does Walmart Take Old Tires in 2022? Here‘s the Full Scoop as an Experienced Seller
As an experienced ecommerce seller, I often get asked if Walmart takes back old tires. With over 4,700 Walmart stores in the US featuring Auto Care Centers, many customers naturally assume they can easily dispose of old tires there.
However, the short answer is no – Walmart does not accept old tires for free recycling or disposal as of 2022.
While you can‘t just drop off tires at Walmart, there are disposal options available for a fee when having new tires installed. I‘ll share the details on how their tire disposal system works, fees involved, and tips on the cheapest places to unload old rubber.
First up, let‘s look at why Walmart won‘t take back tires for free…
Why Won‘t Walmart Take Tires for Free Recycling?
As a fellow retailer, Walmart‘s tire policy makes complete sense to me from a business perspective. Here are the key reasons why:
Cost of Processing: Recycling and properly disposing of tires costs money at specialized facilities. Old tires also take up storage space until enough are collected for a full load. Walmart would have to absorb these costs instead of passing them onto the customer if they offered free take-backs.
Inconsistent Demand: Customer tire disposal needs fluctuate greatly. Some days a Walmart store might take in 200 tires; other days none at all. This makes staffing and logistics tricky compared to their normal operating procedures.
Increased Liability: Collecting large piles of old tires can increase fire hazard risks and other environmental liabilities if not handled and stored properly. Walmart likely wants to avoid this.
Lack of Incentive: Unlike with car batteries and motor oil, there‘s no core charge or rebate on tires that would incentivize free take-backs. So Walmart has no monetary reason to offer the service.
When you consider these key factors, Walmart saying "no free tire disposal" as a hard-line policy makes complete sense logistically and financially.
Okay, so no free tire take-backs…but what are Walmart‘s disposal options?
What‘s Walmart‘s Tire Disposal Policy?
Walmart‘s tire disposal policy is:
You must pay a tire disposal fee when having new tires installed at Walmart‘s Auto Care Centers. This covers their costs to properly recycle or dispose of your old tires when you buy replacements.
The fees vary from around $1.50 – $3.50 per tire depending on your state. Here‘s a breakdown of what some common states charge:
| State | Tire Disposal Fee |
|---|---|
| California | $3.50 |
| Texas | $2.00 |
| Florida | $1.50 |
| New York | $3.00 |
| Illinois | $3.00 |
You can contact your local Walmart‘s Tire and Lube Express department to get the exact rate for your area.
The only exceptions to this fee are during Walmart‘s annual Fall Tire Event (see below) or if the tire manufacturer takes back tires directly.
Okay, those are the standard disposal options and fees. But what about getting rid of tires for free?
When Does Walmart Take Tires for Free?
I‘ll be straight with you – Walmart very rarely offers free tire disposal. But there are two little-known situations where you may catch a break:
1. Fall Tire Event
Each September/October, some Walmart stores (around 25% from my research) will run a special Fall Tire Event. This is timed around winter tire changeovers.
During the 2-3 week promo period, they‘ll take back up to 5 old tires per household for FREE disposal when purchasing new ones. It‘s first come, first served while supplies last.
Tip: Call your nearest Walmarts in August to ask if they‘ll participate. Then mark your calendar and bring in old tires during the event.
2. Tire Manufacturer Mail-Back Programs
Major brands like Michelin, BF Goodrich, and Goodyear offer free tire mail-back disposal programs. You pay shipping and they cover recycling costs.
Between their events and mail-backs, you can go years without paying disposal fees. But when needed, Walmart does offer a convenient option.
Okay, let‘s move on to other disposal tips…
6 Savvy Ways to Dispose of Tires for Free
Even if the Walmart free disposal well runs dry, I‘ve picked up a few handy tire disposal tricks over the years:
*1. Tire Retailers – Many will take back old tires when purchasing new ones, sometimes for a small fee. But it never hurts to ask!
*2. Municipal Special Waste Days – My town has biannual "cleanup" days for tires, appliances, paint, etc. Check your local waste department.
*3. Salvage Yards & Mechanics – They often have waste tire bins and appreciate keeping them out of landfills.
*4. Craigslist "Free Stuff" – People seeking tire swings/garden planters may take them.
*5. Community "Swap n‘ Shop" Facebook Groups – Recycle instead of toss!
*6. Tire Non-Profits – Organizations like One World Running collect for community projects.
With a little creativity, you can keep tires out of landfills and save on disposal costs. Walmart doesn‘t make it easy, but green options exist if you know where to look.
Recap: Does Walmart Take Old Tires in 2022?
Let‘s do a quick rundown of what we learned today:
No – Walmart does not accept old tires for free recycling/disposal
You must pay a tire disposal fee ($1.50 – $3.50 each) when installing new tires
Check for Fall Tire Events for occasional free disposal
Mail back through tire manufacturer programs
Ask local shops, waste departments, salvage yards to find free recycling
Hope this gives you a better idea of how Walmart handles tire disposal along with some handy money-saving tips. Stay safe out there and happy motoring!
As an experienced ecommerce seller, I‘m always happy to pass along insider knowledge and cost-cutting tips. Let me know if you have any other retail business questions!
