Hillsborough County residents can dispose of 12 tires annually at no additional charge
Old tires may seem harmless sitting in a backyard, carport, or behind a business, but they can quickly become a place for mosquitoes to breed, especially during Hillsborough County's ongoing response to the mosquito-borne dengue virus.
Tires can collect rainwater and create an ideal environment for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which can transmit dengue, commonly breed in small containers that hold standing water. Hillsborough County is urging residents to eliminate potential breeding sites by regularly checking their properties and getting rid of items that can collect water, including old tires.
Disposing of old tires
Hillsborough County residents can dispose of up to 12 tires per household each year at no additional charge. The service is included as part of the annual solid waste assessment.
Residents can bring tires to any of the County's five Solid Waste facilities:
- Alderman's Ford Solid Waste Facility, 9402 County Road 39, Plant City, FL 33567
- Hillsborough Heights Solid Waste Facility, 6209 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584
- Northwest County Solid Waste Facility, 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, FL 33625
- South County Solid Waste Facility, 13000 U.S. Hwy. 41, Gibsonton, FL 33534
- Wimauma Solid Waste Facility, 16180 W. Lake Dr., Wimauma, FL 33598
Residents should bring a state-issued ID showing a Hillsborough County residential address and a printed or digital copy of their annual property tax bill showing the current solid waste assessment.
Tires beyond the annual 12-tire limit can be taken to the Southeast County Landfill, where standard disposal fees apply.
Disposing of tires in the City of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace
Residents who live within the City of Tampa or Plant City have different disposal options, as these cities provide their own solid waste services.
City of Tampa: Tampa residents can dispose of up to four tires through the city's Solid Waste Enhanced Environmental Program S.W.E.E.P. Residents can also request a special pickup for $18.12 per cubic yard by calling (813) 274-8811. Residents with active solid waste accounts can also use the McKay Bay Scale House to dispose of tires for a fee.
Plant City: Plant City residents receive a courtesy pickup for up to four tires per calendar year. Nonresidential customers are charged per tire, four tires per month. Residents can also call (813) 659\-4222 to request a pickup.
Temple Terrace: Tires are not included in the City of Temple Terrace's free annual bulk pickup. Residents can dispose of tires and other non-collectible items at the designated facilities in Hillsborough County listed above. Residents can contact Temple Terrace's Public Works Department at (813) 506-6570 for more information about tire disposal options.
Don't give mosquitoes a place to breed
During a dengue outbreak, properly disposing of old tires is one simple way residents can help eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. Even a small amount of standing water can provide enough space for mosquitoes to develop. Hillsborough County Mosquito Management recommends residents regularly inspect their yards and outdoor areas and dump, drain, cover, or throw away items that can collect water.
Residents who have old tires that are no longer being used can remove them from their property and bring them to a County Solid Waste Facility for proper disposal.
Businesses have different disposal requirements
Businesses, including commercial tire stores, are not authorized to use Hillsborough County's Community Collection Centers, which are intended for residential customers. Commercial customers must use appropriate commercial disposal services and pay applicable disposal fees.
Commercial tire stores should have a proper disposal process in place for used tires and should not leave tires where they can collect rainwater. Properly managing and disposing of tires helps prevent them from becoming potential mosquito breeding sites and helps keep commercial properties clean and safe.
By properly disposing of old tires, residents and businesses can help remove potential mosquito breeding sites while keeping unwanted tires out of neighborhoods and the environment.
For more information about tire disposal options, visit HCFL.gov/CCC. As Hillsborough County continues its response to the dengue fever outbreak, residents are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves. Resource information is available at the County's central mosquito operations hub.
Mosquito control services are funded in part by Hillsborough County property tax dollars.