Tire Recycling in Santa Cruz, CA

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

• City of Santa Cruz: Resource Recovery Facility (Landfill) (opens in new tab) · City of Santa Cruz Public Works, Resource Recovery
  • The RRF is for material generated within Santa Cruz city limits and is open to city residents and businesses with proper ID. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • North Coast County residents pay stated rates plus a 28% surcharge. Checked October 26, 2026.
• City of Santa Cruz: Recycling Center (opens in new tab) · City of Santa Cruz Public Works, Resource Recovery
  • Accepted for a fee: refrigerators/freezers, water heaters, washers, dryers, stoves and microwaves, and tires. Checked October 26, 2026.
• City of Santa Cruz: Resource Recovery Facility Fee Schedule (as of April 1, 2026) (opens in new tab) · City of Santa Cruz Public Works, Resource Recovery · effective April 1, 2026
  • Tires 36 inches or less in diameter are $10.00 each; 37–48 inches $30.00. Checked October 26, 2026.
• County of Santa Cruz: Household Hazardous Waste Program (opens in new tab) · County of Santa Cruz Public Works
  • HHW drop-off is free for residents of unincorporated Santa Cruz County and the cities of Scotts Valley, Capitola and Santa Cruz, with proof of residency. Checked October 26, 2026.
• DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
  • DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Checked October 26, 2026.
• DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
  • It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
• CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
  • CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Checked October 26, 2026.
• CalRecycle: Waste Banned from the Trash (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
  • Tires are not hazardous but are banned from the trash to prevent mosquito breeding and tire fires. Checked October 26, 2026.
• CalRecycle: Used and Waste Tire Haulers (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
  • Anyone transporting 10 or more used or waste tires must hold a valid waste tire hauler registration. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Local enforcement agencies may give individuals a one-time exemption to haul waste tires to a local disposal site or amnesty day event in their jurisdiction. Checked October 26, 2026.
• CalRecycle: Tire Management Overview (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
  • A fee on the sale of new tires funds the California Tire Recycling Management Fund under the Tire Recycling Act of 1989. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • CalRecycle's Tire Management Program hotline is (866) 896-0600 (WasteTires@calrecycle.ca.gov). Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.