Idaho Tire Disposal Laws
What you need to know about legal tire disposal.
Idaho takes tire disposal seriously. The state has specific regulations about how tires must be handled, and violating them can cost you. Whether you're a homeowner with a few old tires or a business that generates them regularly, here's what you need to know.
Important Legal Notice
This page provides general information about Idaho tire disposal regulations. It's not legal advice. For specific questions about compliance, contact the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Illegal Dumping Penalties
It's illegal to:
- Dump tires on public or private land without permission
- Burn tires (outside of licensed facilities)
- Dispose of tires in regular landfills (most don't accept them)
- Leave tires in waterways or drainage areas
Penalties:
- Fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Cleanup costs (you pay to have them removed)
- Possible criminal charges for repeat offenders
- Civil liability if dumping causes environmental damage
Business Requirements
If you're a business that generates scrap tires (auto shops, tire dealers, fleet operators), you must:
- Use a licensed waste tire transporter (like us)
- Keep records of tire disposal for at least 3 years
- Not accumulate more than 1,500 tires on-site without a permit
- Store tires properly (covered, no water accumulation)
- Have a disposal contract in place
Businesses that fail to comply can face regular inspections, fines, and potential license issues.
Homeowner Guidelines
For residential tire disposal:
- You can't put tires in regular trash collection
- Most transfer stations charge a fee per tire
- Some tire shops take old tires when you buy new ones (usually a fee)
- You can hire a licensed hauler (simplest option)
- Never bury tires or burn them
Homeowners generally aren't subject to the same strict rules as businesses, but illegal dumping penalties still apply.
Approved Disposal Methods
Under Idaho law, scrap tires must go to:
- Licensed tire recycling facilities
- Permitted waste tire storage facilities
- Approved waste-to-energy facilities
- Facilities approved for tire-derived products
When you use Top Shelf Tire Removal, we handle all of this for you. We only work with state-approved processors and can provide documentation if you need it.
Stay Compliant the Easy Way
Don't worry about tracking down regulations or finding approved facilities. We handle the entire process legally and properly.
For businesses, we can provide all required disposal documentation for your records.