Lackawanna County officials say enough is enough and they are hoping a new recycling program will fix an illegal dumping problem in our area.
The Lackawanna County Tire Clean-up event started Wednesday. County recycling officials said they are targeting a specific dumping issue that's gotten worse over the years.
A few hours into the tire clean-up, workers said they already have about 50 tires to be recycled in Carbondale.
People who dropped off tires on the first day were glad to be rid of them. "They've been hanging around the shed for five or six years or so. Time to make room for something else," said Raymond Mauro.
Carbondale's Department of Public Works yard is just one of the eight locations that will accept tires over the next ten days.
Lackawanna County officials said a pilot program with fewer locations was very successful in April. They hope to make this a regular program in the county. Passenger car tires will cost two dollars apiece, and SUV or pick-up truck tires are five dollars each. The fee is to offset the cost of recycling, according to the county.
Officials said they are starting the program because tire dumping has become a problem in Lackawanna County. People who are taking advantage of the program said they've seen the problem, first hand.
"I think even with a program, people are still going throw things out. But I think it's better to have a program, because I drive around and I see discarded tires, couches, refrigerators," said Glenn Borne of Carbondale.
County officials said dumped tires are a problem because they can collect water, which can become a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Borne hopes the program makes a difference in Carbondale. "We want to see it clean and I appreciate those who go out there and clean up roadways. This will help tremendously," Borne added.
A schedule of where and when you can drop off tires can be found on the county's website.
The Lackawanna County Tire Clean-up event started Wednesday. County recycling officials said they are targeting a specific dumping issue that's gotten worse over the years.
A few hours into the tire clean-up, workers said they already have about 50 tires to be recycled in Carbondale.
People who dropped off tires on the first day were glad to be rid of them. "They've been hanging around the shed for five or six years or so. Time to make room for something else," said Raymond Mauro.
Carbondale's Department of Public Works yard is just one of the eight locations that will accept tires over the next ten days.
Lackawanna County officials said a pilot program with fewer locations was very successful in April. They hope to make this a regular program in the county. Passenger car tires will cost two dollars apiece, and SUV or pick-up truck tires are five dollars each. The fee is to offset the cost of recycling, according to the county.
Officials said they are starting the program because tire dumping has become a problem in Lackawanna County. People who are taking advantage of the program said they've seen the problem, first hand.
"I think even with a program, people are still going throw things out. But I think it's better to have a program, because I drive around and I see discarded tires, couches, refrigerators," said Glenn Borne of Carbondale.
County officials said dumped tires are a problem because they can collect water, which can become a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Borne hopes the program makes a difference in Carbondale. "We want to see it clean and I appreciate those who go out there and clean up roadways. This will help tremendously," Borne added.
A schedule of where and when you can drop off tires can be found on the county's website.
