It normally costs residents about 10 cents a pound to recycle tires at the center. But on Saturday, Nov. 19, Clark County residents can turn in four tires for free and an additional six tires for just $1 each. The collection is part of America Recycles Day. Tires are being targeted because they cause problems in landfills and pose health concerns, said Steve Schlather, program coordinator.
“What tends to happen is water can collect in the tires and then they breed mosquitoes,” Schlather said.
“When they sit in the sun, tires can sometimes catch fire and they’re very difficult to put out ... and release toxic fumes.”
The tires are recycled as mulch, road pavement and playground flooring, Schlather said.
The event is only open to Clark County residents and they won’t except tractor and semi-trailer tires. South said he might be back next weekend.
“I think it’s a great deal to get rid of a lot of ugly tires and get rid of some disease, too.”
Jail inmates help the center sort recyclables and tires. Schlather said their help saves the county thousands of dollars, allowing them to provide programs such as the tire collection.
Springfield resident Eddie Zhang said he’s glad Clark County makes it easy and cost-effective to live greener.
“It’s nice to have a place where I can go to drop off anything I need and not have it sitting in my house or sitting in the garage somewhere,” he said.
At a tire collection last year, the center collected 33.3 tons — or 3,330 tires — which saved residents $6,424.82 in recycling costs, according to the Clark County Waste Management District.
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