Sell used tires instead of discard or burn them, and you will be doing the environment a favor. Old tires are an eyesore and a health hazard as well. They provide a breeding ground for pests, and, if left lying around, can injure passers-by, particularly children. When burned in a pile, they release toxins and pollutants into the air, which damage our ozone layer and create health problems for us.

There is a better option than disposal, and that is to sell them. Here are a few simple steps to take if you are interested to sell old tires:

1. Take out the telephone directory and look for “Tire Retreading” in the Yellow Pages. Call each name on the list and canvas their offered prices for used tires. Also ask each shop if they have restrictions on the number and type of tires, since some have specifications. Peak season for tire retreaders is in the late summer and early fall, so take advantage of the fact that they might offer higher prices at this time.

2. Inspect the tires you intend to sell. There must be no cuts, punctures, or signs of excessive wear and tear on the bead. Check that there are no holes on the casing, or tire cords visible. Surface cracks are fine, but not deep ones in the side walls. Measure the treads by taking a piece of paper and pressing it into the deepest crevices of the tread. Mark the level with a pencil, and use a ruler to measure the depth. As long as it is more than 1/8 of an inch, it can still be used.

3. Set your prices. The greater the tread, the bigger the price of the tire. If half of its tread is left, you can sell the tire for half of its original value. Use this as a basis for pricing.

4. Take pictures of the tires for sale; this will provide you inventory records and benefit the customers who are not able to view the actual tires. Also, they will be useful if you intend to sell them online.

5. Advertise. Apart from going straight to the retreading shops you found in the directory, it wouldn’t hurt to post an ad online. This will allow you to reach a larger population. Make sure to upload a clear photo of each tire, a detailed description, and your selling price.

6. Deliver the tires. If you intend to continue this as an earnest business, you can invest in a pick-up or a truck that is big enough to carry the tires in bulk. Not only will the vehicle be used to deliver the tires to customers, it will also be used to pick up the carcasses you collect from service stations for your next batch of old tire sales.

It is not only an environment-friendly endeavor to sell old tires; it can be a profitable part-time business as well.

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