A line on the tyre bill that puzzles people is the disposal fee, a small charge for getting rid of the old tyres. It is entirely legitimate, and understanding it takes the suspicion out of it.
Why it exists
Old tyres cannot go to landfill in the UK. It has been banned for years, because whole tyres trap gas, take centuries to break down and can catch fire. Instead they must be recycled or recovered: shredded for crumb rubber, surfaces and fuel, or retreaded. That process costs money, and the disposal fee passes on that cost. It is the price of getting rid of a tyre the legal, responsible way, not a hidden mark-up.
How much it is
There is no universal retail fee; ask for the charge applicable to your booking. It covers collecting the old tyres and sending them for proper recycling. The total depends on the number and type of tyres and the seller's pricing.
When it's already included
On a fully-fitted price, disposal is usually already in the figure, alongside fitting, balancing and the valve, part of the bundle covered in everything a fit includes. With a bare tyre price it may be added separately at the counter. Online tyre shops such as Tyres.co.uk already have disposal in the fitted price, so the old tyres are taken away as part of the job with nothing added after. The thing to check anywhere is simply whether the quote already covers it, so the total holds no surprises, one of the extras worth knowing about before buying.
Doing it yourself
It is possible to take old tyres to a licensed recycling centre, though many charge a fee of their own, and tyres must never go in household waste or be fly-tipped, which is illegal and carries heavy penalties. For almost everyone, letting the fitter handle disposal as part of the fit is the simpler and cheaper route.
Is it a tax or a garage charge?
A disposal line on a retail invoice should not be assumed to be a nationally fixed tax. It is normally a service charge set or bundled by the seller. Ask whether the quoted amount applies to each tyre and whether VAT is included. If a fitted package already covers disposal, check that you have not counted or been quoted the same service twice.
What happens to the old tyre?
Depending on its condition and the available treatment route, a tyre may be assessed for reuse or retreading, processed into material for other applications, or used in recovery processes. 'Recycled' is sometimes used loosely in marketing, so ask about the collection arrangement if the environmental route matters to you. Do not expect every worn passenger-car tyre to become another passenger-car tyre.
Can you take it away yourself?
Ask the fitter before the job if you want to retain an old tyre. Then contact your local authority or an appropriate waste operator to check acceptance, charges and quantity limits. Household recycling centres differ in what they accept. Moving the tyre into your garage postpones disposal rather than eliminating the need to deal with it responsibly.
Common questions
Why do I have to pay a tyre disposal fee?+
Old tyres can't go to landfill in the UK and must be recycled or recovered, which costs money. The disposal fee passes on that cost. It is a small, legitimate charge, usually a pound or two per tyre, not a hidden mark-up.
How much is a tyre disposal fee?+
Commonly around £1 to £3 per tyre. It covers collecting and recycling the old tyre responsibly. On a fully-fitted price it is often already included, so it is worth checking whether it is part of the quote or added separately.
Can I dispose of old tyres myself?+
You can take them to a licensed recycling centre, though many charge a fee too, and they must not go in household waste or be fly-tipped, which is illegal. For most people, letting the fitter handle disposal as part of the fit is simpler and cheaper overall.
Is tyre disposal included in the price?+
In a fully-fitted price it usually is. With a bare tyre price it may be added at the counter. Either way it is a small charge, the thing to check is whether your quote already covers it, so the final total holds no surprises.