Free event to recycle old and unused tires
Annual free tire collection event to help reduce mosquito breeding sites
The Regional District of Central Okanagan is inviting residents to take part in its annual free tire collection event to help reduce mosquito breeding sites.
On Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, residents can drop off any old or unused tires, on or off rims, at no cost. Please clean tires of debris before dropping off. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Okanagan College in Kelowna, 1000 KLO Road, in Parking Lot 17 off West Campus Road.
Saturday, September 6
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Okanagan College
Parking Lot #17 (off West Campus Road)
1000 KLO Road, Kelowna
The collection is intended for residential cleanup only. Businesses that sell or generate scrap tires should visit www.tsbc.ca to arrange for a collection.
Since 2016, the event has kept more than 14,000 unwanted tires out of yards and fields where they can hold water and provide an ideal habitat for mosquito larvae.
"An old tire can hold just enough water to become a perfect mosquito nursery," said Curtis Fediuk, president of Duka Environmental Services Ltd. "Removing them is a simple way to keep mosquito numbers in check around your home."
Now in its tenth year, the event is a partnership between the RDCO, its mosquito control contractor Duka Environmental Services Ltd. and Tire Stewardship BC.
Even small amounts of standing water in tires, buckets or plant pots can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Along with tire recycling, residents can help by:
- Removing water from containers such as old tires, garbage cans and plant pots
- Covering rain barrels with a fine mesh screen
- Refreshing water in birdbaths, pet bowls and wading pools at least twice a week
- Draining or aerating ponds and unused pools
- Eliminating any water pooling on tarps or pool covers
Tire Stewardship BC ensures collected scrap tires are recycled into new products instead of going to landfills. When buying new tires, consumers can leave their old ones with the retailer.
Anyone who cannot attend the event can find a free return-to-retailer location at www.tsbc.ca.
