Programs and Services

Dumping is illegal! Don’t do it anywhere.

If you think dumping is the easy way to get rid of old tires, think again. It’s illegal. It could cost you. In fact, Wisconsin has tough regulations against people who are caught tire dumping – anywhere in the state. Dumpers can be fined up to $600 per violation and fines go up with repeat offenders.

It’s the end of the road for tire dumping.

Because of growing environmental concerns, the State of Wisconsin imposed a ban on disposing of tires in all landfills. As a result, many municipalities – Racine included – no longer pick up old tires at curbside. Since 1991, the Department of Public Works has used a different method of old tire disposal. In ‘91, the D.P.W. collected 51 tons of used tires and the next year, over twice as many. Many tires are discarded by illegal dumping or storage. The city is prepared to accept a greater number and recycle them. But you have to bring them to us. Storing old tires tarnishes the neighborhood. Old tires are breeding grounds for pests such as mosquitoes and rodents. Dirty water and debris collect in them. So property owners who allow illegal, long-term storage of old tires can be cited by a city public health or police officer.

Just as bad is the effect on the area. Uncollected tires and accumulated trash blight the neighborhood, shrink property values and lessen neighborhood pride.

You as a city resident have several options to get rid of old auto tires properly.

1. You can drop off old, worn tires for $8 each at the Transfer Station Check the hours here.
   • The depository is at 6300 21st St, the new Racine Transfer Station.
   • Every time you come to the Transfer Station Facility, you will need proof of residency: a current drivers license or City of Racine property tax statement.
   • You are allowed to dispose of 8 tires per week. Remove the rims; otherwise we cannot accept your tires. Rims can be resold as scrap metal.
2. Let your tire dealer dispose of the old ones properly.
   • Often disposal of old tires is included in the total installation price when buying new ones and is usually no more than $2 per tire. That’s your easiest option.
   • Such businesses must use government-approved disposal methods or face severe penalties.

If you see someone dumping, roll into action.

If you see anyone dumping tires, call the Police Department at 886-2300 (do not call 911); try to provide a license plate number. You do not have to give your name.

If old tires are stored on a neighboring property for a period of time, you can call the city at 636-9500 during normal business hours to register a complaint. A Unified Neighborhood Inspection member will inspect the property and decide on further action.

Checklist on tire disposal

• Tires are not picked up at curb/alley line. You are responsible for disposing of old tires legally.
• Tires may be disposed of at the Pearl Street Facility. Call 636-9126 for details.
• 8 (eight) tires per week. No rims! Dumping may result in a $600 fine.

Tire facts

• 300 million tires are disposed of each year in the United States.
• 22 gallons of petroleum are needed in the manufacture of each new tire.
• One year’s scrap tires in the U.S. would make a pile 38,000 miles high if stacked one on another.
• When a tire is recycled, over 90% of the materials that make-up a tire can be recovered for re-use.