>> WASTE DISPOSAL
Baldwin County will host Scrap Tire Amnesty Day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 19 at the Baldwin County Road Department at 311 Linda Drive NE.
According to County Manager Carlos Tobar, the county received a grant from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division through the Solid Waste Trust Fund to host this event. The funds are used to help clean up solid waste around the county. Solid Waste is defined as man-made waste discarded in the environment.
“Solid waste has been an ongoing issue around the state, especially in rural areas. We’re hoping, through this event, we can increase civic participation and encourage people to clean up solid waste in their communities,” said Tobar. “Solid waste not only looks bad for the county but it can create an array of environmental problems. If we can promote citizens to help pick-up this waste, then that is a positive for the county and the citizens.”
Scrap Tire Amnesty Day is a partnership between the county and the city of Milledgeville. During the event, citizens may drop off passenger, truck or off-the-road tires. Anyone dropping off will need to provide proof of residency at the check-in table. Check-in will accept a state-issued ID or utility bill.
“We applied for the grant early this spring and received it a few weeks ago,” said Tobar. “By partnering with the city, we can make a greater impact to reduce the footprint in the landfill. All the tires that are donated will be recycled and that material can be reused for things such as playground equipment.”
According to Tobar the grant was roughly $33,000 but works on reimbursement programs so the amount could be higher or lower, depending on circumstances. While planning the event, Tobar planned a date that aligned with Georgia College & State University’s Gives Day (GC Gives Day) so that GCSU volunteers could be involved and assist throughout the day.
“During GC Gives Day, students from the college volunteer around the community to assist with different events and causes. I wanted to give them an opportunity to help make a greater impact on the county and be involved,” said Tobar.
GC volunteers will assist in directing traffic and checking-in attendees. Then, staff from the city of Milledgeville will help load the tires.
“We are also partnering with Quality Tire who will provide the trailers that we are loading the tires onto and they will pick up the tires for processing after the end of the event,” said Tobar.
Tobar hopes Scrap Tire Amnesty Day can become an annual event to help reduce solid waste in the county.
“This is an ongoing issue and we want to do what we can to combat it,” said Tobar.