Back by popular demand, one of Emanuel County’s most anticipated fall cleanup opportunities returns this month.
Emanuel County Public Works will host its annual Tire Amnesty Day on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Emanuel County Transfer Station, directly across from Interfor (located at 8799 Highway 297 South, Swainsboro, GA 30401).
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD)-approved event gives Emanuel County residents and property owners a one-day chance to properly dispose of unwanted scrap tires at no charge.
“This is exactly why we apply for this program every year,” Public Works Director Justin Morris said. “You can’t legally dump tires on the side of the road or burn them, and proper disposal can otherwise be difficult for residents. Tire Amnesty Day gives people a couple hours to bring those old tires to us and know they’re getting rid of them the right way without having to worry about what to do with them.”
But, there are a few stipulations.
For starters, participation is limited to Emanuel County residents and property owners.
Additionally, tires must be removed from the rim and measure no more than 55 inches in overall diameter.
Businesses or individuals who profit from the tire industry are not eligible, and rubber tracks will not be accepted.
Participants should bring a valid government-issued ID; nonresident property owners will also need proof of Emanuel County property ownership.
Morris encourages anyone planning to participate to come early because the County can accept a maximum of 5,000 tires during the event.
“Don’t wait until the end of the day if you know you have tires to bring,” Morris said. “Last year, we collected every bit of our 5,000 limit, so we know there is a tremendous demand for this service. Once we reach our limit, we obviously stop accepting them, so the earlier you can get here, the better.”
Keep Emanuel Beautiful will also be on site helping throughout the day. The nonprofit organization works year-round to reduce litter, encourage responsible waste disposal, and beautify communities across Emanuel County.
Volunteers will have donation buckets available for anyone who would like to support that work. Keep Emanuel Beautiful is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and contributions help fund local cleanup, litter-prevention, beautification, and community education efforts.
“Tire Amnesty Day is a perfect example of what Keep Emanuel Beautiful is here to support,” President Tony Hutcheson said. “We don’t just pick up trash as an organization. We also try to forward-think and give people good options before something becomes litter in the first place, so us getting to sign our name onto this project, even in a small way, is great. I think Tire Amnesty Day just goes to show that when local government, volunteers, and residents all work together, we make a much bigger impact than any one person or one group could make alone.”
Emanuel County Commission Chairman Jim Sherrod from District 4 says the annual event is also an example of county services producing a visible return for residents.
“Five thousand tires is a lot of material that has the potential to end up where it doesn’t belong,” he said. “Instead, for one day, we can help our citizens dispose of those tires responsibly and keep them out of our woods and ditches, and believe me, that’s exactly where they usually end up. I hope our residents will take advantage of the opportunity while it’s available.”
Tires will be accepted only between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Nov. 21.
No tires will be accepted before or after the event.
For complete participation requirements, see the accompanying Tire Amnesty Day graphic or contact Emanuel County Public Works Director Justin Morris at 478-237-3741 or jmorris@emanuelco-ga.gov.
The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners governs Emanuel County, focusing on legislative and administrative responsibilities. Comprised of representatives from five districts, the board oversees policies and programs that impact local development, budgeting, and public services. Commissioners work collectively to ensure fiscal responsibility and address community needs, collaborating with other county departments and agencies. They are committed to supporting economic growth, public safety, and community well-being across Emanuel County.
For information about the commissioners and for the latest from the county government, visit 124 North Main Street in Swainsboro; call 478-237-3881; follow us on Facebook; or visit www.emanuelco-ga.gov.
