Bonn, February 24, 2026. Used tires regularly accumulate on farms – from large-volume tractor tires and trailer tires to tires that have been used for years as silage ballast. Once tires have reached the end of their service life, the question of proper disposal arises. Crucially, only when used tires are handed over to or collected by certified waste management companies is sustainable and legally compliant recycling guaranteed.
Certified disposal: the foundation for a functioning circular economy
The ZARE initiative stands for certified quality and transparent processes in used tire disposal. Certified waste management companies ensure that agricultural tires are not improperly stored or illegally disposed of, but rather are directed to high-quality recycling channels. For farmers, this means legal certainty, reliable collection or acceptance of used tires, and the assurance of actively contributing to environmental and resource protection.
Retreading: Particularly useful for agricultural tractor tires
A key component of sustainable tire recycling is retreading. In this process, the worn tread of suitable tires is replaced, while the load-bearing carcass is used for another tire life. However, retreading is only possible to a limited extent with agricultural tires. In some cases, particularly large-volume tractor tires are suitable for this process – provided the condition and carcass are technically sound. Retreading is especially worthwhile from an ecological perspective with these large dimensions.
- high material and cost savings
- significantly lower raw material and energy consumption
- CO₂ reduction of up to approximately 50% compared to new tire production
In this way, retreading – where technically possible – makes a measurable contribution to climate protection and extends the service life of high-quality agricultural tires.
Mechanical recycling and energy recovery
Not every tire is suitable for retreading. In these cases, mechanical recycling ensures that valuable components such as rubber and steel are recovered and reused – for example, in road construction, impact-absorbing surfaces, sports facilities, or technical rubber products. Tires used for silage ballast represent a special case. Due to years of outdoor use and contamination with soil, stones, or organic material, they are generally neither retreadable nor suitable for high-quality mechanical recycling. Often, energy recovery is the only remaining option. Therefore, the sooner tires are disposed of properly, the greater the chance of high-quality mechanical recycling or even retreading. Certified waste management companies inspect each tire and determine the most ecologically and technically sound disposal method.
Proper disposal of used agricultural tires
Tires used for silage ballasting are also considered waste after use and must be disposed of properly. It is important for farmers to know that only handing them over to certified waste disposal companies ensures that these tires are recycled in the best possible way, according to their condition.
Farmers can easily submit inquiries, find suitable waste disposal companies and organize collections via the ZARE website.
Improperly disposing of tires: In the end, the general public pays
To prevent illegal dumping, which farmers are particularly concerned about – because a carelessly discarded old tire is usually soon joined by other trash, as it lowers the inhibitions of other consumers – the German states have imposed hefty fines. Depending on the state, a single illegally dumped tire can cost up to €300. And if you dump more than five tires, you can expect to pay a four-figure sum in many places. This environmental offense is particularly costly in Lower Saxony, where you can be fined up to €1.000 for up to five illegally dumped tires, and up to €25.000 for more than that. You can find an overview of the fines in each state here. here.
Whether it's a tractor tire or silage ballast: every used tire is a valuable resource. Sustainable recycling requires disposal through certified specialist companies. Farmers who choose this route make an active contribution to climate protection, resource efficiency, and a functioning circular economy.
About the ZARE initiative
The ZARE initiative is an association of 16 companies organized within the German Federal Association of Tire Dealers and Vulcanizers (BRV). The ZARE partners have made it their mission to raise awareness of proper tire recycling in Germany. ZARE informs motorists about environmentally sound disposal of used tires. With 26 locations, the ZARE partners provide almost nationwide coverage in Germany and the Netherlands.
The partners of the initiative are:
Bender Reifen Recycling GmbH, Containertransporte Wesseler GmbH, CVS Reifen GmbH, Danninger OHG Spezialtransporte, Erwin Welzenbach Spedition GmbH, G & K Recycling Utsch GmbH, Hartung Speditions-, Handels- und Transport GmbH, HRV GmbH, KARGRO BV, KURZ Karkassenhandel GmbH, Mondo Reifenmarkt GmbH, MRH Mülsener Rohstoff- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH, Reifen DRAWS GmbH, Reifen Külshammer, Reifengruppe Ruhr, REIFEN OKA – Reifenhandel
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Image 1: Agricultural tires 1
Caption 1: Used agricultural tires must be recycled via certified waste disposal companies to ensure environmental and resource protection.
Source: ZARE® Initiative
Image 2: Agricultural tires 2
Caption 2: Retreading and recycling extend the life cycle of agricultural tires and make an important contribution to climate protection.
Source: ZARE® Initiative
