PROPER TIRE DISPOSAL

Ohio Revised Code prohibits the reckless dumping of whole or shredded tires. Whether it is one tire or one hundred tires, the potential punishment is the same: a fine of $10,000 to $25,000, and two-four years in prison.

Dumped tires are more than an eyesore--many pests, especially mosquitoes, breed in the stagnant water that collects inside tires. Several varieties of mosquitoes can carry deadly disease, including the West Nile virus.

Tire fires are another major threat to our health and our environment. Tire fires are difficult to put out, so they can burn for long periods of time--sometimes days or weeks. Huge, thick clouds of black smoke and oily residue from burning tires can contaminate land and water surfaces, and also cause physical discomfort in persons who inhale the fumes.

If you know, suspect or see someone dumping tires illegally, call the Environmental Crimes Task Force of Central OhioHotline at (614) 871-5322.

Three ways to dispose of used tires properly in Franklin County:
• Leave the used tire(s) with a reputable tire dealer.
• Hire a registered hauler to pick up the tire(s).  (Look under "Trucking/Heavy Hauling" and/or "Rubbish & Garbage Removal" in the Yellow Pages.)
• Take the tire(s) to Liberty Tire Services, Franklin County's only EPA-approved facility to recycle used tires.  Liberty Tire Services is located at 3041 Jackson Pike (614-871-8097).

What can you do to help reduce the number of used tires generated each year in Franklin County?

• Purchase tires with longer tread life
• Rotate your tires every 4,000 miles
• Balance your tires when you rotate them
• Use public transportation and carpool