Tire Amnesty – What’s it Worth?

Old tires have a way of piling up – behind sheds, along tree lines, and tucked into corners of garages. With the upcoming tire amnesty, the North Central Nebraska RC&D is inviting participants to take a fresh look at those piles of tires and ask a simple question – what’s it worth to clear them out the right way? The upcoming amnesty is designed to make scrap tire disposal easier, more affordable, and environmentally responsible.

The RC&D is encouraging participants to think about the value, and then by supporting the effort itself. Discarding old tires can often come with unexpected costs. Retailers charge per tire for disposal, and those fees can quickly add up. While the tire amnesty is free, participants are encouraged to consider making a voluntary donation when they drop off their tires. Instead of spending money to clear out unwanted tires, participants can redirect those savings towards something more meaningful, making a donation to the RC&D.

“People are often surprised by how much it costs to dispose of tires the traditional way,” said Mike Burge, RC&D Chairman. “This event not only removes that burden, but gives people the chance to turn those savings into something positive for our communities.”

All contributions to the North Central RC&D help support this event, fund local cleanup projects, and expand community programs that benefit everyone.

The environmental benefits of scrap tire collections are significant as well. Since 1998, Nebraska has had a statewide landfill ban on tires. Illegally burning tires releases toxic smoke, and stock piling tires create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and varmints. In contrast, all tires collected will be recycled and repurposed into items like park benches, silage covers, and feed bunks.

The tire amnesty will be held in Springview, Nebraska, on April 28th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on April 29th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The collection site will be at the Old Airport, 101 Airport Road, and will accept up to 400 tons. The RC&D is working together with Keya Paha County and Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment.

Tires will only be accepted on the scheduled days, and once the tonnage is met, the collection will close. The event can not accept more tonnage than granted, so it is important to know the weight of loads. For 20 or fewer tires, a count by tire type is needed. Loads with over 20 tires will require weights. A scale is available at the Springview location. All sizes of car, truck, pivot, semi, and tractor tires can be brought to the amnesty. No rims will be taken, and there will not be assistance in unloading tires. Any tires with excessive dirt or debris will be turned away. Residents of the RC&D area, which includes the counties of Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Keya Paha, and Rock, are encouraged to participate. Tire retailers, as well as residents of South Dakota, are not eligible to bring tires.

Whether it’s a single tire or a full load, each one brought in represents a choice – to improve the environment and contribute to something larger. More information is available at northcentralrcd.com, or by calling the North Central RC&D at 402-340-1530.