Bonn, September 09, 2025. The illegal disposal of used tires remains a massive environmental problem in Germany. Recent incidents in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria make it clear once again: illegal dumping is not an isolated incident, but rather an expression of a persistent problem that has significant consequences for the environment and local communities. The ZARE (Certified Used Tire Disposal) initiative regularly documents such cases and urgently calls for the responsible handling of used tires.
Illegal disposal of old tires – a widespread problem
In August 2025 alone, serious cases were reported again: On August 12, 2025, around 40 used tires were illegally dumped in a forest near Bergkamen (North Rhine-Westphalia). The city complains of repeated environmental damage in this area: in the last year and a half alone, larger quantities of tires have been illegally dumped there four times. Police have begun investigating the most recent case. A few days later, on August 17, around 50 used tires were discovered on a remote field path in Heideck, Bavaria. According to police, the variety of tire models indicates a commercial origin.
These current cases are just two examples of many. The ZARE initiative regularly records reports of illegal dumping from across Germany. Such environmental offenses result in high disposal costs for municipalities, endanger people and nature, and demonstrate the urgency of education and a high level of environmental awareness.
Environmental damage and high costs for the general public
Tires don't decompose. They remain in the environment for decades, endangering animals and plants through their bulk storage. They also contribute to soil and water pollution. At the same time, illegal dumping causes millions of euros in costs nationwide, which often have to be borne by municipalities – because the perpetrators usually go undetected. Depending on the federal state, illegally dumped tires can result in fines of up to €300. Nevertheless, many perpetrators don't shy away from this – especially in rural or remote areas.
ZARE appeals to consumers and collection points
The ZARE initiative calls on both consumers and businesses, especially repair shops, car dealerships, and tire retailers, to dispose of used tires exclusively through certified disposal companies. This is the only way to ensure that used tires are properly recycled – whether through retreading, mechanical or thermal recycling, or export as used tires. "Illegal disposal is not a trivial offense, but an environmental crime," emphasizes Christina Guth, network coordinator at ZARE. "Every individual bears responsibility – whether as a driver or as a dealer."
All information about the report and an overview of previous cases can be found at: https://zertifizierte-altreifenentsorger.de/umweltschaeden/ and https://zertifizierte-altreifenentsorger.de/illegale-altreifenentsorgung-in-deutschland/
You can find more information about certified waste tire disposal and our partners at: https://zertifizierte-altreifenentsorger.de
About the ZARE initiative
The ZARE initiative is an amalgamation of 18 companies organized in the Federal Association of Tire Trade and Vulcanizing Trades (BRV), 17 of which are certified waste management companies. The ZARE partners have set themselves the task of raising awareness of professional tire recycling in Germany. ZARE informs drivers about the environmentally friendly disposal of used tires. At 29 locations, the ZARE partners cover almost all of Germany and the Netherlands.
The partners of the initiative are:
Allgemeine Gummiwertstoff und Reifenhandels GmbH, 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, KRAIBURG Austria GmbH & Co. KG, KURZ Karkassenhandel GmbH, Mondo Reifenmarkt GmbH, MRH Mülsener Rohstoff- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH, Reifen DRAWS GmbH, Reifen Külshammer, Reifengruppe Ruhr, REIFEN OKA – Reifenhandel
Download
Press release as Word document
Picture: Illegal dumping of scrap tires
Caption: The map “illegal dumping of used tires” by the ZARE initiative https://zertifizierte-altreifenentsorger.de/illegale-altreifenentsorgung-in-deutschland/
Image source: Initiative ZARE®
Picture: Illegal waste tire disposal in nature
Caption: Illegal disposal of old tires, regardless of quantity, is illegal and punishable by heavy fines.
Image source: Initiative ZARE®
