Old Tire Collection Announced
Piles of old tires can not only look unsightly, but also can create a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
To mitigate these problems, the Montgomery County Commissioners have authorized the Waste System Authority to hold a free tire collection so that residents can get rid of these hard-to-dispose-of items.
On Saturday, September 25th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Municipal parking , 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, the Waste System Authority will hold a tire collection for Montgomery County residents only. A maximum of 4 tires per vehicle will be allowed, and no tires from commercial activities will be accepted.
Waste tires present environmental, health, and safety hazards. Rainwater accumulates in tire piles creating an ideal environment for mosquitoes, which are known to transmit West Nile Virus. Another hazard is fire. A massive tire fire under a major highway in Philadelphia cost millions of dollars in damage and affected commuters and businesses in the region over several months. Large tire piles can burn for weeks causing the rubber to decompose into oil, which can pollute ground and surface water.
“Disposing of tires properly is an expensive proposition and it’s crucial for the environment and for people’s quality of life,” Commissioners Chairman James R. Matthews said.
“One tire with standing water in it can make it impossible for all the neighbors to enjoy their back yards,” Matthews said. “Even if you’re willing to pay, it’s hard to find anyone who will take old tires.”
Please join the Waste System Authority on September 25th in our efforts to create a cleaner and safer place to work and live. Four tires maximum.
For additional information, contact: Chris Kaasmann, Montgomery County Recycling Coordinator, 610-278-3618 or at recycling@wsaemc.org
