Tire Disposal in Medicine Hat: What Are Your Options?
Why Old Tires Need Special Disposal
Tires cannot go in the regular garbage in Medicine Hat — or anywhere in Alberta. They’re banned from landfills because they don’t break down, they trap methane, and they create fire hazards in landfill cells. But getting rid of them properly is straightforward and free for residents, thanks to Alberta’s ARMA tire recycling program.
Whether you have four seasonal tires swapped out after winter, a set of worn-out truck tires, or a pile accumulated in the garage over the years, you have clear options.
The ARMA Tire Recycling Program
Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) operates the provincial tire recycling program. When you buy tires in Alberta, an environmental handling fee is included in the purchase price. That fee funds the collection, transportation, and recycling of used tires when you return them.
This means tire disposal is free for Alberta residents. You’ve already paid for it at the point of purchase.
What happens to recycled tires:
- Shredded rubber is used in rubberized asphalt for highway resurfacing
- Crumb rubber is used in playground surfaces and synthetic sports turf
- Tire-derived fuel supplements industrial processes
- Steel wire recovered from tires is recycled as scrap metal
Where to Drop Off Tires in Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat Landfill
The most accessible drop-off option for most residents is the city landfill.
Address: Approximately 3 km off Highway 41A on Range Road 53 (north of Veinerville) Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays and statutory holidays. Cost: Free for residents (ARMA program) Phone: 403-527-1718
Bring the tire without the rim if possible — ARMA recyclers need to process the rubber separately from the steel rim. Rims can go to the landfill’s metal scrap area for free as well.
Tire Retailers and Auto Shops
Many tire shops and automotive service centres participate in the ARMA program and will accept your old tires at drop-off. This is convenient if you’re already going in for a tire change — ask the shop if they’ll take the old set when they install the new ones.
How Many Tires Can You Drop Off?
| Type of Drop-Off | Limit |
|---|---|
| Resident drop-off at Medicine Hat landfill | Residential quantities — typically up to 10 tires per visit without special arrangements |
| Tire shop take-back (when buying new tires) | Usually matched to number of new tires purchased |
| Commercial quantities (business or fleet) | Must use ARMA commercial tire collection — different process |
For most homeowners — a set of four seasonal tires, a few accumulated extras — the residential landfill drop-off handles everything without issue.
Comparing Tire Disposal Options
| Option | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine Hat landfill drop-off | Free | Drive yourself during Mon–Sat hours | 1–10 tires, DIY-friendly |
| Tire shop take-back | Free (usually) | Drop off when getting new tires | When buying replacements |
| Junk removal pickup | Included in service fee | Removed from your property | Mixed cleanout with other junk |
What About Rims?
Rims without tires (steel or aluminum) can go to the landfill’s metal scrap area free of charge. Aluminum rims can also be taken to a scrap metal dealer — they have recycled value and you may be able to sell them by weight.
When to Include Tires in a Junk Removal Pickup
If you’re clearing out a garage with tires stacked alongside old furniture, broken tools, and general junk, a junk removal service can take everything in one visit. You don’t need to sort tires out separately — the crew handles routing them to appropriate facilities. This is particularly useful if:
- You have a large number of tires mixed in with other junk
- You don’t own a truck to haul tires to the landfill yourself
- The garage cleanout is large enough to justify professional removal anyway
Ready to Remove Junk in Medicine Hat?
For everything you need to know about junk removal in Medicine Hat — pricing, what we accept, area coverage, and how to prepare — read our Complete Guide to Junk Removal in Medicine Hat.
Have old tires mixed in with a bigger cleanout? Contact us for a free quote — same-day service available across Medicine Hat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I drop off old tires in Medicine Hat?
The Medicine Hat landfill at Range Road 53 off Highway 41A accepts tires free of charge for residents through the ARMA tire recycling program. Rims are not required — bring the tire only. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Is tire disposal free in Medicine Hat?
Yes. The ARMA tire recycling program covers the cost of recycling for Alberta residents. When you purchased the tires, an environmental fee was included in the price. You can drop off used tires at the Medicine Hat landfill at no charge.
What happens to recycled tires in Alberta?
Tires collected through the ARMA program are shredded and repurposed into materials like rubberized asphalt for road construction, playground surfaces, and synthetic sports turf. This keeps rubber out of landfill and gives it a useful second life.
Can I include tires in a junk removal pickup?
Tires can be removed from your property as part of a junk removal service, particularly useful when they're stored alongside other junk you want cleared. The tires will be routed to an ARMA-approved recycling facility.