How to Get Rid of Old Tires in Gatineau
In Quebec, you already paid for tire recycling every time you bought new ones — it's included in the tire eco-fee. That means you should NEVER pay a second time to get rid of them. Here's how it works in Gatineau.
Quebec's tire recycling system
When you buy a new tire in Quebec, you pay an eco-fee of about $3 per tire. That tax funds the provincial recovery program operated by RECYC-QUÉBEC. That's what makes recycling free for you when the time comes to get rid of old tires.
The program covers car, light-truck, and motorcycle tires. Tractor, farm machinery, and industrial tires follow a different channel and may carry fees.
About 100% of Quebec tires are recycled or reused: gym mats, playground surfaces, rubberized asphalt, alternative fuel. None should end up in landfill.
Your free options in Gatineau
1. The garage where you change tires: easiest option. Most garages, dealers, and chains (Canadian Tire, Costco, Point S, etc.) take your old tires when they install new ones. You literally do nothing.
2. Independent garages: even without a purchase, many local garages take old tires free because they're reimbursed by RECYC-QUÉBEC for each tire put back in circulation. Call ahead to confirm.
3. City of Gatineau eco-centres: all eco-centres accept tires from residents free of charge, typically up to 4 per visit. Proof of residency required.
4. Special collection points: RECYC-QUÉBEC publishes a list of 1,000+ collection points across Quebec on their website. Several are in Gatineau and accept tires without an appointment.
When our at-home pickup makes sense
If you have 4 tires to haul in a compact car without proper trunk space, it's doable but messy. If you have 8 tires (summer + winter) after selling a car, it becomes a hassle. And if you have 20 tires (business, home garage, estate), it's practically impossible without a utility vehicle.
Our junk removal service comes to your home, loads the tires, and routes them to the right recovery centre. Useful too when the tires are piling up alongside other unwanted items — shed, garage, yard cleanouts.
What to avoid
NEVER pay to recycle a standard car tire in Quebec. If someone charges you, they're pocketing the program reimbursement on top — or planning to dump the tire illegally.
Don't dump tires in nature, vacant lots, or alleys. Quebec carries very large fines for this because abandoned tires are breeding sites for Culex mosquitoes (West Nile vector) and a fire hazard.
Never burn tires. Beyond being illegal, the smoke contains highly toxic dioxins.
Four tires in the garage corner that have been sitting since last year is a five-minute task at the next tire change. If the pile is bigger, we can come pick it all up. Free quote by phone or form.