NEWS

Free tire event to aid in keeping Augusta beautiful

Susan McCord
smccord@augustachronicle.com
Businesses break the law when they dump loads of tires on abandoned Augusta properties such as this one in the former Hyde Park community. The city is offering a free tire recycling event Saturday for private citizens to drop tires at the landfill at no charge. The event is not open to businesses or commerical vehicles. [SUSAN MCCORD/THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE]

Keep Augusta Beautiful announced a free tire recycling event set Saturday at the Augusta landfill.

Richmond County residents with proof of residency can dispose of an unlimited number of automotive tires, either on or off the rim, a release stated. No business or commercial customers – or business or commercial vehicles – will be allowed to drop off tires, the city said.

Scrap tires are often illegally dumped and make up a significant part of the litter that accumulates in Augusta's blighted areas, officials have said. When they collect even a small amount of water, the tires become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

In 2013, the city eliminated curbside tire pickup from its garbage collection program due to abuse by business owners, and replaced it with tire amnesty days.

The tires have continued to accumulate on curbs and abandoned and vacant lots, however. Last year activist Leslie VanHoorbeke reported collecting 392 dumped tires from Harrisburg streets and lots in three days. The Richmond County Marshal has made several arrests of people accused of illegally dumping tires.

Saturday's event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the Augusta landfill, 4330 Deans Bridge Road.

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