Tire cleanups reduce the threat of the West Nile virus during the summer

Jefferson City, MO - infoZine - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announces that more than 15 million tires have been cleaned up in the state since cleanup efforts began in 1990. Totals compiled in May 2008 show 773 sites have been cleaned by the department.

"15 million tires is an amazing figure," said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. "With summer approaching, tires become a breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus, and pose a fire hazard. This program continues to work hard to remove all of the unwanted or scrap tires from the environment so that they can be put to good use."

Illegal scrap tire dumps pose serious environmental and health threats. Insects and rodents that grow and breed in these dumps can transmit diseases, such as the West Nile virus. Fires at tire dumps can release hazardous substances to the air, soil and water sources. When recycled properly, scrap tires have other beneficial uses. They can be made into playground surfaces, running tracks, recycled rubber products and can even be burned for fuel in power plants. In 2005 and 2006, more than 5.5 million tires were used as tire-derived-fuel in power plants. The department is also working with the Missouri Department of Transportation to promote the use of scrap tires in asphalt for Missouri's roadways.

The Department of Natural Resources established the Tire Dump Roundup Program in November 2006. This program does not seek reimbursement for cleanup costs for eligible sites. To qualify for this program, a site must contain between 500 to 10,000 tires. Active businesses and prior program recipients are not eligible for this program. The department continues to work with Missouri's solid waste management districts, cities, and counties coordinating tire roundups, and encourages and reimburses nonprofit citizens groups in cleaning up dumpsites that contain fewer than 500 tires.

The Scrap Tire Fee, a 50-cent-per-tire fee charged on every new tire purchased in Missouri, funds the cleanups. The fee will expire on Jan. 1, 2010, unless extended by the legislature.

The department estimates there are more than 300,000 tires remaining to be cleaned up throughout the state at nearly 150 sites. These tires are in known dumps throughout the state, and the department estimates there are 500,000 tires remaining in unknown dumps.

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For more information or to sign up for the Tire Dump Roundup Program, contact the department's Scrap Tire Unit at 1-800-361-4827 or 573-526-3909 or visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/tires/tirelist.htm.