The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking Iowans to partner with them in their effort to reduce the frequency of improperly disposed of tires in the state. According to DNR Field Office Supervisor, Kurt Levetzow, they have identified a growing number of haulers who have collected waste tires and stockpiled or abandoned them in farm fields, wooded lots or in storage units in the last 18 months. “In a few cases, they’ve actually burned the tires, which creates toxic smoke and degrades air quality,” he says. Cleanup can be costly for the public and the offender. For example, the City of Davenport spent over $85,000 to remove about 18,000 tires from a residential property in 2020. The waste tire hauler’s $10,000 financial assurance bond ended up being revoked and they were required to reimburse the city for a portion of the costs. Under Iowa law, tires cannot be dumped, buried or burned. So, what should you do with them? Levetzow recommends Iowans leave their unwanted tires with their tire dealers. He says, “The disposal fees is usually quite small—less than $5. Don’t take a problem home with you. Your tire dealer can dispose of it through the registered network ensuring it will be recycled or landfilled.” To learn more about proper removal, follow the link included below.
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Click HERE for the DNR’s Waste Tire Disposal Quick Facts Sheet