Community Tire Collection Program: Overview

Are waste tires a problem in your community?

People really appreciate the opportunity to get rid of tires they may have had for years.

Old tires are a problem - what do you do with them? They are difficult to dispose. Piles of tires are ugly and can pose health, safety and fire hazards. Unwanted tires hold water which can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus.

The Independence Conservancy's Community Tire Collection Program offers a workable solution to this widespread problem.

Since 2001, our tire collections have taken in over 22,000 tires from residents of Beaver, Allegheny and Washington Counties. With the help of our volunteers and host municipalities, our tire round ups have been safe, orderly and well received by the public.

The Independence Conservancy will hold a series of community tire collections on Saturday mornings in the fall of 2008.
Click here to see available dates.

Tire Collection Program Overview:

• The back of this man's truck was full of tires people had dumped into a local creek. He and his family pulled them out and paid for their proper disposal.

  There is no fee to the hosting municipality. Program costs are covered by user fees for tire disposal.
• Neighboring communities can work together to host a regional collection.
• There is no limit to the number of tires anyone may bring, and proof of residency is not required. We encourage everyone to participate.
  
• There are no quantity discounts. Donations are the same for everyone. Small businesses are welcome.
• Tires are derimmed and sheared into several pieces. The pieces are disposed properly and the rims are recycled.
  (Click here to watch videos of the tire shear in action!)
• Collections are held rain or shine.

Independence Conservancy will provide:

• People are always glad to be rid of these tire planters. We get at least one at every collection.

  Tire shear/derimming machine, operating crew and liability insurance.
• Labor to unload tires from residents' autos, collect the user donations and direct traffic. Additional helpers are always welcome.
• Shipping manifest for each municipal truck used to transport cut tires to the Allied Waste Imperial Landfill in Findlay Township. And, for larger trucks, an exemption from PA DEP Waste Transportation Safety Program Act 90.
• Payment of disposal costs for the cut tires.
• A truck for hauling away the rims for recycling.
• Assistance with publicity: a postcard to mail to residents, full color posters, newsletter or press release template.

Host municipalities are asked to provide:

• Volunteers cut up a farm tractor tire at New Sewickley Township.

  Ample space for a safe, orderly collection. Municipal garage areas work well. There should be at least two ways in and out of the collection area for optimum traffic flow.
• A single axle dump truck to haul the cut tire pieces to Allied Waste Imperial.
• Widespread publicity of the event to local residents via your newsletter, newspaper briefs, radio, bulletin board, etc. A post card mailed to each homeowner has proven to be the most effective.
• Volunteer access to township facilities for restrooms, lunch and shelter from severe weather.
• Lunch and drinks for about 15 volunteers (convenient foods like pizza or hoagies).
• A township employee or supervisor present from 8 AM to 1 PM on collection day in case the tire shear crew needs help with moving trucks or equipment at the collection site.

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