Scrap Tire Recycling in Orange County, FL: Your Ultimate Local Guide

Florida law says scrap tires must be handled by licensed transporters, Orange County enforces strict disposal rules, and illegal dumping fines can reach thousands of dollars. That’s why having the right local recycling process matters more than ever.

This guide gives you a clear, simple breakdown of exactly how scrap tire recycling works in Orange County — including legal requirements, real costs, recycling methods, and how Ruben’s Tires Recycle makes it easy for homeowners and businesses to stay compliant while keeping their property clean.

Quick answer (for busy readers)

Here is the fast and legal way to recycle scrap tires in Orange County, FL:

Under 25 scrap tires

Self-haul to an approved Orange County facility or drop them off at a licensed recycler like Ruben’s Tires Recycle.

25 or more scrap tires

Florida Statute 403.717 requires you to use a Florida DEP-registered Waste Tire Collector and a County-Licensed Waste Tire Transporter. That 25-tire rule is the line between simple drop-off and regulated transport.

Why scrap tire recycling matters

Scrap tires are one of the most heavily regulated waste streams in the United States. According to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), the U.S. generates 280–300 million scrap tires every year, and roughly 80% of those tires go to beneficial reuse.

Unmanaged scrap tires create real risks:

• Mosquito breeding: one tire can breed thousands of mosquitoes capable of spreading Zika and West Nile virus.
• Fire hazards: tire fires burn at up to 2,000°F, releasing toxic smoke.
• Environmental issues: the EPA classifies tire piles as “significant environmental hazards” because they do not decompose.

Orange County follows Florida’s Waste Tire Management Program under the Florida DEP. You can review the law here: Florida DEP Waste Tire Page.

Bottom line: whether you’re a homeowner or a business, scrap tires must be handled correctly — or fines, liability, and code enforcement become real problems.

How scrap tire recycling works in Orange County

The system is simple once you understand the rule.

1–24 scrap tires

You may drop them off at:

• an Orange County Solid Waste Facility
• a licensed recycler like Ruben’s Tires

Check Orange County disposal info.

25+ scrap tires

You MUST hire a licensed and DEP-registered hauler. Unregistered scrap-tire hauling is illegal in Orange County — and the fines can reach $5,000+ per violation. This is why businesses rely on Ruben’s Tires Recycle, which meets all county and state requirements.

Scrap tire drop-off (best for residents & small loads)

For a few tires, drop-off is the easiest and cheapest method.

Where to recycle scrap tires

Ruben’s Tires Recycle offers public drop-off that is DEP-compliant, affordable at $3 per tire with no minimum, and accepts multiple tire types. See current rates on the pricing page.

Tips for drop-off

• Call ahead
• Remove rims if required
• Don’t mix trash or debris
• Stack safely during transport

For 1–10 scrap tires, this is the fastest solution.

Local scrap tire recycling center (best for medium loads)

If you handle 10–30 scrap tires occasionally, a local recycler is ideal.

Benefits of using a local recycler

• Avoid county facility restrictions
• Guaranteed recycling (not landfill)
• Faster turnaround
• Accurate documentation
• Local, predictable costs
• Accepts commercial loads

Ruben’s Tires is one of the most reliable recyclers serving all of Orange County.

Scrap tire pickup (best for high-volume businesses)

If your business generates scrap tires regularly — auto shops, dealerships, fleets, tow yards, rental car lots, contractors, or waste companies — scheduled pickup is the cleanest option.

Why businesses prefer pickup

• No more tire piles
• Full chain-of-custody documentation
• DEP-registered hauler required by law
• Saves staff time
• Volume discounts
• Container options for high volume

To arrange Orange County scrap-tire pickup for a shop or fleet, see scrap tire pickup for shops & fleets or book through the Orange County service hub.

Understanding the 25-tire rule in Orange County (important)

If you are moving 25+ scrap tires

You MUST use:

• a Florida DEP-registered waste tire collector
• a County-licensed transporter

This rule applies to everyone: residents, businesses, fleets, contractors, and tire shops. If your transporter is unlicensed, you can still be fined — even if you didn’t know. Ruben’s Tires eliminates this risk.

What happens to scrap tires after recycling

Scrap tire recycling turns waste rubber into highly valuable materials.

The recycling process

1. Drop-off or pickup — tires enter a licensed facility.
2. Sorting — by size and type.
3. Shredding — large industrial shredders break them down.
4. Steel removal — magnets remove steel belts.
5. Grinding — rubber becomes crumb rubber.
6. Screening / refining — rubber is cleaned and graded.

Where scrap tires go (USTMA 2023 data)

• 25%: Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF)
• 19%: Ground Rubber (playgrounds, turf, mats)
• 17%: Civil Engineering (TDA)
• 39%: Other recycling + beneficial use

Common end uses

• playground surfaces
• synthetic turf infill
• rubberized asphalt for highways
• gym flooring
• parking bumpers
• landscaping mulch
• industrial mats
• tire-derived aggregate

Recycling protects Orange County from illegal dumping and environmental damage. For the full walk-through, see our guide on tire recycling in Florida.

Best scrap tire recycling method by volume

How to store scrap tires safely before pickup

To stay compliant with DEP and Orange County:

• Stack evenly
• Keep piles below shoulder height
• Cover tires to prevent water accumulation
• Leave clear access for loading
• Keep area free of debris
• Store on flat ground
• Do not mix scrap tires with metal or trash

Following these guidelines prevents mosquito issues and fire hazards.

Real Orange County scrap tire scenarios

“We have 4–8 scrap tires from home.”

Drop them at Ruben’s Tires Recycle.

“Our auto shop generates 30–50 scrap tires weekly.”

Schedule weekly or bi-weekly pickup.

“We manage a fleet and need quarterly cleanouts.”

Container + scheduled pickup is ideal.

“We need documentation for audits.”

Ruben’s provides DEP-compliant manifests.

Watch how scrap tire recycling works

Curious what happens to your scrap tires once they leave your property? This video gives you an inside look at the full recycling journey — from raw tire piles to clean, reusable rubber material. It’s one of the best real-world demonstrations of how tire recycling works behind the scenes.

Why choose a local recycler like Ruben’s Tires

Local recycling means better results:

• faster pickup
• lower transport costs
• county-specific compliance
• predictable pricing
• sustainable recycling
• documentation included
• trusted by hundreds of Orange County businesses

Ruben’s Tires Recycle is Orange County’s go-to partner, serving cities including Apopka, Orlando, Ocoee, and Winter Garden.

Frequently asked questions

Final takeaway

Scrap tire recycling in Orange County, FL is simple when you follow the rules and partner with a licensed hauler. Florida’s 25-tire law, DEP requirements, and county regulations make proper recycling essential for avoiding fines and protecting the environment. Whether you have a few tires or a full load, Ruben’s Tires Recycle offers the fastest, most affordable, and fully compliant way to handle scrap tires in the county. It’s the simplest way to keep your property clean, your business compliant, and your tires out of landfills.