The back area of Hillman’s Auto Centre in Southcrest, London, presents a less-than-appealing scene with over 100 used car tires stacked near a tree, damp from recent snowmelt. The accumulation of tire piles is becoming a common sight throughout Ontario as some tire recycling companies have scaled back operations due to the reduction in recycling targets imposed by the province.
Jamie Hillman, the proprietor of Hillman’s Auto Centre, mentioned that it has been several months since any of his tires were collected for recycling. The pile of tires behind his shop has grown significantly, reaching an estimated 100 to 150 tires, a size not previously seen according to Hillman.
Since 2019, tire producers in Ontario have been mandated to meet annual collection targets for used tires, with the recycling responsibility resting on their shoulders. The recycling target for tire producers decreased from 85% to 65% in 2025, leading to a perceived decrease in urgency from recycling companies to pick up recyclables, as reported by some auto shop owners.
James Wands, a manager at Ron’s Quality Auto Centre, highlighted the change in pickup frequency, noting a delay of about six months in the recent tire collection from his shop, which typically occurred every two months. The situation has put additional pressure on auto shops as they struggle with storage space constraints and the potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes that stagnant water in the tires could create.
eTracks, a not-for-profit organization responsible for tire collection and recycling, acknowledged a backlog in pickups but emphasized that they have not ceased managing the recycling collection for producers. The company collected more tires than the provincial regulations required in 2025, although there have been challenges due to the disruptions in tire collection.
The delay in tire pickups poses inconveniences for garage owners like Hillman and Wands, who may have to consider independent tire disposal solutions if regular recycling services do not resume promptly. Hillman expressed concerns about the financial implications of self-disposal, as consumers are already charged eco fees per new tire by tire producers, regardless of whether the tires are picked up for recycling.
Considering the environmental impact and potential hazards associated with improper tire disposal, Hillman stressed the importance of addressing the tire recycling issue promptly to prevent incidents like tire pile fires or illegal dumping that could harm the environment.