The Ontario Tire Dealers Association says tire collection challenges remain widespread across the province, with reports continuing to surface of delayed pickups, growing on-site stockpiles, and collectors being removed from established collection networks.

The association is asking members experiencing issues to continue providing updated information and supporting documentation as it works with regulators and government officials toward solutions.

The persistent issues with used tire pickup and recycling stem from changes to the regulations that reduced the percentage of tires sold that had to be collected from 85% to 65% about two years ago. This reduction and the consesquent growing piles of tires came to a head in fall of 2025 when haulers, having met their mandated quota, largely stopped collecting tires for delivery to reccyling operations.

According to the OTDA, the organization remains actively engaged with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority, and other stakeholders as collection disruptions continue.

The association has also submitted a detailed response to Ontario’s MInistry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) proposed tire regulation amendments and says it continues to advocate for measures that would improve collection consistency, reduce service interruptions, and prevent collection sites from being left without support.

The stakeholder comment period for those proposed changes ended May 2, 2026.

OTDA officials say updated member reports are critical in helping the association communicate the scale and urgency of the issue to regulators.

Members experiencing collection issues are encouraged to provide:

• Site name and location
• Estimated number of tires currently on site
• Date of last collection pickup
• Photos of tire piles or storage areas
• Details regarding delays, missed collections, or service disruptions

The association says it expects additional direction from the MECP in the coming weeks as regulatory discussions continue.

At the same time, the OTDA says it is increasingly concerned about reports that some collection sites are being asked to pay separately for tire removal services, despite environmental handling fees already being paid through the retail chain at the point of purchase.

According to the association, invoices and supporting documentation submitted by members suggest what it describes as a potential “tire recycling black market” may be emerging as businesses seek alternatives to overwhelmed collection networks.

While paying independently for tire removal is not necessarily prohibited under the current regulatory framework, the OTDA says the trend raises broader concerns about system performance and accountability.

The association is urging members who arrange removal outside the established network to exercise caution, including:

• Confirming haulers are properly registered with the RPRA
• Requesting complete invoices with full company information
• Avoiding cash-only arrangements or unusually low pricing
• Asking where collected tires are ultimately being delivered

The OTDA warns that improper handling or illegal dumping by unregulated haulers could expose collection sites to potential liability if materials are traced back to a business.

“If anything does not appear legitimate, contact the association before proceeding,” the OTDA advised, emphasizing that protecting members remains its primary concern.

For independent repair shops and tire dealers already managing space constraints and operational pressures, the association says continued reporting from the field will remain essential as discussions with regulators continue.

Contact he OTDA with any submissions by email to info@otda.com