The tire amnesty day organized by the Dubois County Solid Waste District and the Dubois County Health Department last week helped rid the county of about 11 tons of waste tires, most of which had been stored outdoors.
The approximately 700 tires of all types collected during the amnesty day came from residents throughout all 12 townships of Dubois County.
The free tire day was made possible by a grant through the Dubois County Health Department from the Indiana State Department of Health to help prevent the spread of zika virus.
Tires stored outdoors become breeding areas for disease-causing mosquitoes, such as the species that spreads zika virus.
The health department and solid waste district recommend that residents do not store tires, as standing water in them can be a breeding area for disease-causing mosquitoes. Tires are also unsightly and can be a fire and pollution hazard.
District Director Carla Striegel-Winner says even if they did not take part in the Tire Amnesty Day, Dubois County residents can recycle tires at the Solid Waste District Process Center year-round for a small fee. She says it’s just not a good idea to stockpile old tires.
For more information on the Solid Waste District Process Center, residents may go to www.duboiscountyrecycles.org or call 812-482-7865.
