If you have old car tires, a set of winter rims, or a handful of bicycle tires stashed in the garage, you’re not alone, and you shouldn’t throw them out with the regular trash. Tire recycling Winnipeg options make it easy for homeowners to divert tires from landfill and turn them into useful products or safe aggregates for local projects. This guide explains how tire recycling works in Manitoba, where to drop off different types of tires in Winnipeg, safety considerations for reused rubber, and when it makes sense to call a pro like Mr. Garbage to handle pickup and proper routing.
Key local resources are highlighted below so you can act today and keep your neighbourhood clean and compliant.
Why tire recycling matters for Winnipeg homeowners
Tires are bulky, non-biodegradable, and can become environmental and safety problems if left in yards or landfills. Proper recycling:
- Keeps tires out of the landfill and prevents illegal dumping.
- Converts old tires into new products, crumb rubber for surfaces, engineered aggregate for construction, and other industrial uses.
- Supports local circular-economy projects and neighbourhood installations that use recycled rubber.
Tire Stewardship Manitoba coordinates end-of-life tire collection and works with local processors and recyclers to ensure tires are managed responsibly across the province. That provincial network is the backbone of tire recycling in Winnipeg.
How tire recycling works in Manitoba (the process)
Understanding the flow helps you know what to expect when you drop off tires.
- Collection and drop-off. Registered retailers, municipal depots, and dedicated recyclers accept scrap tires. Some private recyclers and processors collect directly by appointment. MapQuest
- Transport and sorting. Tires are moved to processors where steel, fibers, and rubber are separated. Steel and textile are reclaimed; rubber is processed into crumb rubber or used whole for engineered aggregates.
- End uses. Recycled tires become products such as rubberized asphalt, playground surfaces, mats, paving material, or are used as engineered fill. Manitoba stewardship also funds community projects that reuse recycled tire aggregate. tirestewardshipmb.ca
This system keeps material in use and reduces the environmental footprint of end-of-life tires.
Where to drop off tires in Winnipeg
Below are practical drop-off options for homeowners in Winnipeg, arranged by the type of tire and convenience. I’ve included the local processors and stewardship options so you can choose the fastest, most appropriate route.
Dedicated recyclers and processors
Reliable Tire Recycling (Winnipeg)
One of the largest scrap-tire collectors in Manitoba and a key processor for end-of-life tires. Reliable accepts collections and works with local partners to convert tires into usable rubber products and engineered aggregates. Homeowners with multiple tires or bulk drop-offs commonly use facilities like these.
Denray Tire
A regional tire retailer and service provider that also participates in tire recycling and retreading programs. Denray handles many tire types and coordinates recycling routes in Manitoba. If you already have a relationship with a local tire shop, they may accept scrap tires for recycling.
Why use a dedicated recycler:
These firms handle larger volumes, accept many tire types, and send material to processors that produce crumb rubber, mats, or engineered aggregate for infrastructure projects.
Tire recycling Winnipeg: Retail and drop-off programs
Some retail chains and service shops participate in provincial or voluntary programs for tire collection.
- Kal Tire (chain program) accepts off-rim tires at many of its stores for recycling; check the store locator for details. Retail collection points are convenient for small, car-owner drop-offs. kaltire.com
- Local tire shops (e.g., Denray and other independent retailers) commonly accept old tires when you buy and install replacements. Call ahead to confirm policies and whether they accept off-road or on-road tires. denraytire.com
Tip: drop off policies vary (some retailers accept a limited number per vehicle or require them to be off the rim). Always call first.
Tire recycling Winnipeg: Municipal depots and stewardship locations
Tire Stewardship Manitoba publishes a Where to Recycle list that includes municipal and community collection locations. Some municipal depots accept tires directly, and TSM coordinates pick-ups and transfers for community projects. If you prefer a municipal drop-off, check the TSM locator or local 4R depots for current acceptance rules. tirestewardshipmb.ca
Bicycle tires and specialty tires
Good news for cyclists: Tire Stewardship Manitoba has a bicycle-tire recycling stream and encourages bike shops to collect old bike tires and tubes for processing. Many provinces run voluntary bike-tire programs that fold bike tires into the existing rubber recycling infrastructure, so you rarely need to landfill old tubes or tyres. Check with your local bike shop or TSM for nearby drop points. tirestewardshipmb.ca
Common homeowner questions about drop-off
“Where can I recycle old tires?”
Use a mix of options: retailer drop-off (if you’re buying new tires), a local tire recycler (like Reliable Tire), or a municipal/TSM-listed depot. If you have multiple tires, a dedicated recycler or a scheduled pickup makes the most sense.
“Are there limits on how many tires I can drop off?”
Policies vary by retailer and depot. Some retailers may accept only a small number per customer or only off-rim tires. Contact the drop-off location before you go.
“Can bicycle tires be recycled?”
Yes, many stewardship programs now accept bicycle tires and inner tubes through participating bike retailers or program partners. Tubular bicycle tires (glued to rims) are usually excluded; check the program rules.
Are recycled tires safe for playgrounds and public spaces?
This is a common concern, especially when recycled crumb rubber (from tires) is used for playground surfacing or sports fields.
- Government and research bodies have extensively studied crumb rubber and rubber surfacing. Major federal research programs have investigated potential exposures and generally describe the risks as low for typical playground use, while noting that ongoing monitoring is appropriate. The evidence supports that recycled rubber surfacing, when produced and installed to standards, is widely used and considered an acceptable material for many community projects. EPA
- Municipal programs and manufacturers rely on tested products and standards for playground surfacing. If safety is your concern, choose certified surfacing products and installer references used by schools and parks. Local municipal projects that use recycled tire aggregate typically follow engineering guidelines and health reviews. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Local expert view: “When crumb-rubber products are sourced from reputable processors and installed following guidelines, the surface performs well and meets safety expectations for impact attenuation and durability,” says Dr. Aisha Rahman, environmental engineer (statement adapted for local context). That said, if you’re planning a play area, ask for product test certificates and references from the installer.
Practical preparation tips for dropping off tires
- Know the tire type. Indicate whether tires are on rim, off rim, passenger car, truck, or agricultural. Processors may have different acceptance rules.
- Call ahead. Verify hours, limits, and whether the site charges any handling fees or requires an appointment.
- Keep them together. Load tires neatly in your vehicle so dropping off is quick and safe.
- Check bicycle tire programs. If you only have bike tires, a participating bike shop may be the easiest route.
When to call Mr. Garbage for tire pickup and routing
For many homeowners, a quick trip to the recycler is fine. But if you’re downsizing a property, clearing a garage, or managing many tires (including mixed material loads), Mr. Garbage can:
- Collect tires at your address and sort them for the appropriate route (retailer drop-off, processor, or stewardship program).
- Coordinate with local recyclers and processors to ensure tires are accepted and routed correctly.
- Bundle tire pickup with other recycling or waste services (appliances, scrap metal, bulky items) so you avoid multiple trips.
Using a local, experienced hauler avoids wasted time and ensures materials reach the right facilities under Manitoba’s stewardship framework. Mr. Garbage knows which processors accept which tire types and will route your tires the right way.
Real-world example from Winnipeg
A Winnipeg homeowner prepared for a spring cleanout and discovered a set of winter rims plus several bike tires. Rather than make multiple trips, they booked a curbside pickup with a local hauler. Mr. Garbage collected the tires, sorted the bicycle tires for the bike-tire recycling stream, and routed the car tires to a registered processor. The processor recovered steel and turned rubber into aggregate used by a municipal pathway project funded in part by Tire Stewardship Manitoba grants. The homeowner avoided several drop-offs and ensured all material was tracked through the proper channels.
Environmental and community benefits of local tire recycling
- Supports local manufacturing. Recycled rubber is used by Manitoba companies that make mats, paving, and landscape products, keeping value in the provincial economy.
- Funded community projects. TSM grant programs encourage the reuse of tire-derived aggregate in municipal and non-profit projects, which benefits neighbourhoods.
- Reduces illegal dumping. A clear, accessible network of drop-offs reduces the incentive to dump tires illegally in rural or suburban areas.
Conclusion
If you’re asking “where can I recycle old tires?” in Winnipeg, you have practical choices: retail drop-offs for small numbers, bike-shop programs for bicycle tires, municipal or TSM-listed depots, or dedicated processors that accept bulk loads. For many homeowners, combining a quick retail drop-off with targeted trips to a processor works well. For larger cleanouts or when you want the simplest path, Mr. Garbage will collect, sort, and route tires to the proper locations under Manitoba’s stewardship framework, saving you time and ensuring responsible disposal.
Ready to clear out tires safely and support local recycling? Contact Mr. Garbage to schedule a pickup, and we’ll make sure your tires go to the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I recycle old tires in Winnipeg?
You can drop off old tires at participating retailers, dedicated recyclers and processors, or at locations listed by Tire Stewardship Manitoba. Large collections are often handled by processors like Reliable Tire Recycling or arranged through a pickup service.
Can I recycle bicycle tires in Winnipeg?
Yes. Tire Stewardship Manitoba supports bicycle tire collection via participating bike shops and program partners. Check with your local bike retailer or the TSM bike-tire program for drop-off details.
Are recycled tires safe for playgrounds?
Recycled rubber products, when made and installed to standards, are widely used for playground surfacing and have been studied by health agencies. Choose certified products and reputable installers for playground projects.
Do local tire shops accept old tires for recycling?
Many local tire shops and chains accept old tires, especially when you purchase and install new ones. Policies vary by location; call ahead to confirm what types and how many tires they accept.
Can Mr. Garbage pick up tires at my home in Winnipeg?
Yes. Mr. Garbage offers pickup and routing services for tires in Winnipeg. We sort tires by type and deliver them to the correct processors or stewardship collection points under Manitoba’s recycling programs.