llegal tire dumping isn’t just unsightly; it’s also dangerous. And it’s on the rise.
Across Seattle, hundreds of used tires are being abandoned in greenbelts, public rights-of-way, and other community spaces. Since 2022, we have seen an 82% increase in large-scale illegal dumping, often involving dozens or even hundreds of tires at a time. This year alone, we’ve removed more than 1,400 illegally dumped tires from Seattle’s greenbelts.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is taking this issue very seriously. Illegal dumping poses a threat to public health and damages the environment. That’s why SPU is ramping up investigations, working with community members, and taking enforcement action.
Why Are Tires Such a Big Deal?
Used tires are far from harmless. When dumped illegally, they:
- Contaminate soil and water with toxic chemicals such as 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-q). This chemical, derived from tire wear, is a significant threat to wildlife in Seattle. Its presence in urban stormwater runoff directly causes widespread mortality in coho salmon and other aquatic species. This contamination disrupts local ecosystems and severely challenges the region’s iconic salmon populations.
- Attract rodents and vermin
- Pose serious fire hazards
- Create stagnant water, which becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying disease
Last year alone, the City of Seattle spent over $2.9 million cleaning up illegal dumping across the city.
Where To Dispose of Unwanted Tires?
Residential customers
- When you buy new tires, ask the tire shop to take your old ones
- You can drop off up to 4 tires per visit at the North or South Transfer Stations
- To find more disposal locations near you, call 1-800-RECYCLE or visit 1800recycle.wa.gov.
Commercial customers
- Take large amounts of tires to a facility that accepts commercial tire loads
- Work with a licensed waste tire carrier
In Washington State, businesses that haul waste tires must be licensed. Be sure your contractor is registered with the Department of Ecology. Learn more about proper tire disposal.
Report on Illegal Dumping Tires
We’re working to keep Seattle clean and safe, but we need your help.
- Use the Find It, Fix It app to report dumped tires
- Call 206-684-7587 if you see someone dumping tires
Together, we can stop illegal dumping before it spreads and help keep our neighborhoods healthy and safe.
Let’s keep Seattle healthy.