Asheville GreenWorks hosts public tire amnesty drop-off

On Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14, local nonprofit Asheville GreenWorks will host Tire Amnesty Days—Free Tire Collection in the Sears Parking lot on Tunnel Road. At this free-to-the-public event, Buncombe County residents are invited to bring out any type of tire, on or off the rim, to be recycled for FREE. Collection runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

Asheville GreenWorks established Tire Amnesty Days in 2012 to give residents a more convenient option to dispose of tires. Left outside, tires will fill with water creating mosquito habitat and will eventually break down releasing heavy metals into the surrounding soils. On average, GreenWorks volunteers remove approximately 1,000 tires from area roads and waterways each year.

“Tires are not only a blight on the landscape they’re a hazard to the environment,” said Eric Bradford, Asheville GreenWorks director of operations. “Cases of La Crosse encephalitis—a mosquito-borne virus that is particularly dangerous to the very young and the elderly—are on the rise in Buncombe County, so reducing mosquito habitat is more important than ever and properly recycling tires is one way to do that.”

Tire Amnesty Days are geared towards members of the public residing in Buncombe County. Area businesses that need to dispose of tires should contact Asheville GreenWorks at 828-254-1776 for more information.

Buncombe County residents unable to attend Tire Amnesty Days can dispose of tires Monday through Saturday at the Buncombe County Landfill located at 85 Panther Branch Road in Alexander.

Volunteers are also needed to help staff the Tire Amnesty Days May 13 and 14. Those interested in volunteering should email volunteer@ashevillegreenworks.org.

Established in 1973, Asheville GreenWorks inspires, equips and mobilizes individuals and communities to take care of the places we love to live. With thousands of volunteers, Asheville GreenWorks engages the community in grassroots projects including tree plantings, urban agriculture, environmental cleanups, anti-litter and waste reduction education, creation of green spaces, and preservation of Asheville’s rivers and trees.