Tire Disposal in Alberta: What Every Calgary Driver Needs to Know
Every set of tires you buy in Alberta has a small recycling fee built into the price. That fee funds one of the best tire-recycling systems in Canada — but most Calgary drivers have no idea it exists, what it covers, or where they can drop off old tires for free. Here's how tire disposal in Alberta actually works, where to take used tires in Calgary, what not to do with them, and when your tire shop handles disposal as part of the appointment.
Table of Contents
- The Alberta Tire Recycling System
- Where to Drop Off Used Tires in Calgary
- What NOT to Do With Old Tires
- When the Tire Shop Handles It
- Calgary Tire Disposal FAQs
The Alberta Tire Recycling System
Alberta runs a province-wide tire recycling program funded by an environmental fee on every new tire sold. The fee shows up as a separate line on your invoice — usually $4 for a passenger tire, $9 for a medium truck tire, and higher for larger sizes. That money funds the collection, transport, and recycling of every used tire that enters the system.
Once a tire enters the program, it gets shredded into crumb rubber for use in playground surfaces, road base, athletic tracks, mud flaps, garden products, and even new tire compounds. Less than 1 percent of Alberta's tire volume ends up in landfill. According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, Alberta's recovery rate is among the highest in the country.
The practical upshot for you as a driver: you've already paid the disposal fee. You should never pay extra to drop off used tires in Alberta.
Where to Drop Off Used Tires in Calgary
Calgary drivers have three free or near-free options for getting rid of used tires.
1. Your tire shop. Almost every shop in Calgary will dispose of your old tires for free when you buy new ones. If you bring loose tires in without a purchase, some will charge a small handling fee — typically $3 to $6 per tire — but that's labour, not disposal cost.
2. City of Calgary residential landfills. The City of Calgary's three throw-and-go landfills (East Calgary, Spyhill, and Shepard) accept passenger and light truck tires for free from residents. Limit is typically four tires per visit. Bring your driver's licence — they verify residency.
Confirm hours and current limits on the City's website before you go, since both can change seasonally.
3. Authorized tire collection sites. Some auto parts stores and large dealerships accept used tires for free as part of their participation in the Tire Stewardship program. Call ahead.
If you're storing winter tires for next season instead of disposing of them, our winter tire storage guide covers how to do it without damaging the rubber.
What NOT to Do With Old Tires
Three things Calgary drivers occasionally do that they shouldn't.
Don't put them out with the garbage. City waste collection won't pick up tires. They'll either be left at the curb or rejected at the transfer station, and you'll have to deal with them anyway.
Don't burn them. Burning tires releases toxic smoke including hydrocarbons and heavy metals. It's illegal across Alberta and a fire hazard.
Don't use them as garden planters or playground equipment without research. Some passenger tires shed micro-rubber and chemicals into soil over time. If you do reuse tires for outdoor projects, line the inside.
And don't dump them in a back alley or on rural land. Beyond the obvious environmental harm, illegal dumping is a fineable offence in Calgary and the surrounding rural municipalities.
When the Tire Shop Handles It
For most Calgary drivers, the easiest path is to let the shop deal with it. When you book a seasonal tire changeover or a new-tire purchase, the shop is set up to bin and ship your old tires through the Tire Stewardship system at no extra cost to you.
The exception: if your tires are still serviceable and you want to sell them privately or donate them, the shop will hand them back. If you're not sure whether your old tires are worth keeping, our guide on spotting worn winter tires and the how to read tire size breakdown together cover what determines value.
Calgary Tire Disposal FAQs
How much does it cost to dispose of tires in Calgary?
Free at City landfills (limit four per visit, residents only) and free at the tire shop when you buy new. Loose drop-off without a purchase typically runs $3 to $6 per tire as a handling fee.
Does Costco take old tires?
Yes, when you buy new tires from them. They generally don't accept loose drop-off without a purchase.
Can I dispose of motorcycle, ATV, or trailer tires?
The Alberta program does cover trailer tires up to 16.5". For specialty tires (oversized off-road, agricultural), check with the City landfill or contact Alberta Recycling directly.
What happens to my tires after I drop them off?
They get shredded at one of Alberta's processing facilities and turned into crumb rubber for new products. Almost nothing goes to landfill.
Do I get money back for old tires with tread left?
Generally no. The recycling fee is paid up front when you buy new tires; there's no refund. Some private buyers will pay for usable winter tires, but that's a separate transaction.
Tires past their service life? We'll handle the rest
If you're swapping into new tires this spring, we'll dispose of the old ones for you at no extra charge. Free pressure check and tread inspection any time you stop by.
Prince Tires
111 42 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
(403) 452-4283
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