It is estimated that 4,000,000 waste tires are generated annually in Kentucky, and many are stockpiled or illegally dumped across the state. In addition to littering the landscape of Kentucky’s diverse topography, waste tires present many environmental, health, and safety hazards. Rainfall accumulates and creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which are known to transmit West Nile Virus. Improperly stored tires also present a fire hazard. They trap oxygen that will constantly feed the flames which emit noxious, air polluting smoke. When tires are illegally burned, oils and soot can run off and contaminate both surface and ground water.

Through a grant from the Kentucky Department of Waste Management, The Caldwell County Solid Waste Advisory Council, Caldwell County Extension Office, and Caldwell County Fiscal Court hosted two waste tire collection programs for residents of Caldwell County. Over 9,600 agriculture, semi, and auto tires were collected. In 2023 the cost of disposal for a tire was $2.00. This collection saved residents of Caldwell County $20,200 in disposal fees plus the undeterminable saving to the rural environment.  By encouraging communities to host tire collection programs for recycling such as this we will help protect our environment and natural resources.