Used Tires Sought at Recycling Sites

People may drop off as many as four used tires at 10 locations Saturday as part of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works’ second annual “Waste Tire Amnesty Day.”

Illicit dumping of used tires is a common but illegal practice, said George De La O, a civil engineer with the department.

Offenders are subject to a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail, he said.

“Just recently, those fines have really been stiffened up,” De La O said.

“I think it’s just going to take some time for people to know that. They all know it’s illegal, but they try to get away with it anyway.”

Tight regulations on dumping tires are necessary, De La O said, because tires are a major environmental and health concern.

“Because of the shape the tires have, they tend to collect water on the inside. That tends to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes that can spread diseases.”

De La O also said that landfills have less room for items such as waste tires, so it’s best that they be taken someplace where they will be recycled. All tires turned in during the event will be recycled into crumb rubber products and used for safety surfacing, rubberized asphalt or molded products.

Residents are asked to bring only passenger vehicle tires. No tires will be accepted from businesses. Also, tires with rims and foam-filled tires are not recyclable.

Tires may be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Discount Tire Center, 14053 Oxnard St. in Van Nuys, and the Public Works Road Maintenance Yard 557, 38126 N. Sierra Highway in Palmdale.

Other drop-off sites are in Hollywood, Pasadena, Azusa, Compton, Lawndale, Los Angeles, Lakewood and Walnut.

For information, call (888) CLEAN-LA or visit the Web at https://www.888cleanla.com.