The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners sponsored Scrap Tire Amnesty Day Dec. 13, funded by grants from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division through the Solid Waste Trust Fund. The event allowed residents to dispose of an unlimited number of tires for free, including passenger tires, truck tires, and large off-road tires.
Scrap tire amnesty days are designed to reduce illegal dumping, protect the environment, and save residents the high costs typically associated with tire disposal. Throughout the day, a steady stream of residents arrived, unloading hundreds of tires that would otherwise be difficult or costly to dispose of legally.
The event was held at Baldwin County Public Works. Several groups of volunteers labored to ensure the event went smoothly. Baldwin County High School’s JROTC cadets, Georgia Military College cadets, GMC Prep School cadets, and public works employees worked in shifts, checking in residents, managing paperwork, and moving tires.
Ky’maya Grant, a Baldwin County High School junior and JROTC command master chief, said, “I am here today because I wanted to give back to the community. We are all glad to be her together to work.”
Taylor Robertson, a Baldwin County High School junior and JROTC cadet, said, “This event saves the community so much money. I heard it takes over $20,000 to dispose of such a large number of tires.”
“Work like this is good. It teaches you how to manage your time wisely and to work hard no matter what your next steps in life might be,” added Corey Napper, a Georgia Military College sophomore cadet.
Recycling scrap tires helps reduce mosquito breeding grounds, fire hazards, and pollution caused by improper disposal.
For volunteers, breakfast was provided by Chick-fil-A, and coffee was provided by Blackbird Coffee.
Residents completed the required paperwork, then drove to where the tires were unloaded and stacked. After the day was completed, three trailer loads of tires were hauled to Quality Tire to be recycled.
“This is a great program, a true win-win for the entire community,” said Charles Trumbo, the management analyst for the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners. “This event gives the community the opportunity to bring them to us, which prevents illegal dumping and helps Georgia go green. Once they are brought here, they are hauled off to be recycled into things like athletic fields. Reusing helps the planet.”